Giampaolo ahead of Roma trip: “Let’s try to spring a cup upset”

Marco Giampaolo has called on his Sampdoria side to channel all of their efforts into upsetting the odds when they face Roma in the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night.

“We’re going to go there and give it our best shot,” said the boss on the eve of the clash. “We know how good Roma are, but we have to do everything we can to make it through to the next round.”

The Samp coach was critical of the format of the cup, which sees the bigger sides seeded when they enter the competition at the last-16 stage.

“I think the format of the cup should perhaps be looked at again,” said Giampaolo. “It can be unfair when the stronger side on paper also has the advantage of playing at home. Having said that, it’s still our responsibility to go for it.”

Giampaolo revealed that conditions have been so bad in Bogliasco this week that the team has barely trained on the main pitches, but stressed that this would not affect Doria’s determination to spring an upset.

“We’ve not been able to train as we would have liked,” admitted the coach. “The lads will need to work hard on implementing what we’ve spoken about. The Round of 16 has gone with the form book so far, so let’s try to buck that trend.”