Giampaolo: “Let’s keep building, Sassuolo is another test”

Marco Giampaolo has urged his Sampdoria side to maintain their focus and impressive form when they travel to Sassuolo on Easter Saturday.

“Sassuolo might seem like a bit of a meaningless match, but there is real motivation there from our point of view because it’s a chance for us to continue analysing our squad,” said the Blucerchiati boss, speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Giampaolo also stressed that Sassuolo should not be underestimated, despite Eusebio Di Francesco’s side enduring a difficult season.

“When they have a fully fit squad they’re a strong side that can play to a good standard,” he said. “They should be respected even if they’ve had a few issues this year.”

With the season drawing to a close, Giampaolo went on to analyse the campaign in more general terms.

“In a month or so’s time we’ll take stock of the season this side has had and look at how to improve the squad,” said the coach. “In my eyes, this is the best time to fully grasp the ability of these players to stay on their game and show the mentality necessary to take the next step forward in terms of quality. It’s fundamental.

“From a psychological standpoint, our performance against Fiorentina was fantastic. We went toe to toe with a team that’s still fighting to qualify for the Europa League. It was the same thing against Inter. We need to keep building experience.”