Giampaolo on Napoli test: “Let’s stay in the game and get a result”

Marco Giampaolo has urged his Sampdoria side to match Napoli stride for stride when they face off at the Stadio San Paolo on Saturday evening.

“We’re up against one of the best sides in the league from an attacking perspective,” began the Doria boss, speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. “We’ll learn a lot from the game – it’ll let us gauge where we’re at. Our aim is to be in the game up until the 95th minute. We want to get a result.”

Giampaolo admitted that it was vital his players get off to a good start in Naples.

“If we don’t start well then we could be three goals down after ten minutes and the game be over after 20. We need to have the kind of focus that this match demands,” explained the coach.

The Blucerchiati boss also reserved warm praise for opposite number Maurizio Sarri.

“He’s one of the best coaches in Europe. His team has a wonderful understanding. It’s enjoyable to watch Napoli play because they have everything. I’ve not prepared anything special for the game, but of course we’ve analysed it thoroughly. At the end of the day, I believe that the players play the decisive role – we simply bring the ideas.”

Giampaolo revealed that Samp are completely free of injury concerns ahead of the match, though the fitness situation is still being monitored.

“Everyone has recovered in terms of injuries, but on the fitness side of things we’ll have to wait and see tomorrow night. The players started back on different days, especially with lots of players coming back from South America.”

Last but not least, Giampaolo had a word on new Sampdoria signing Bartosz Bereszynski.

“He’s a typical Polish player – a reliable soldier and a great player. I’ve not had a lot of time to have a look at him, but he’s definitely a player. As for whether he plays or not, I think he needs time to get to grips with how our defence plays, because it’s not an individual thing – the whole defence has to adapt when a new player comes in.”