Giampaolo: “We need to stay grounded against Crotone to take the next step”

Marco Giampaolo has urged his side to build on their impressive win over Atalanta when Crotone visit Marassi on Saturday evening.

The Doria coach also warned against overconfidence when facing Davide Nicola’s team.

“The comeback against Atalanta has given us real enthusiasm, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves – not us and not anyone around the club,” he said on Friday. “As always, there are three points up for grabs, so it’s not about what’s gone before or what will come to pass.

“The only thing that matters is the present, so we need to make sure we forget about what we’ve done and focus on hitting new heights. That’s what you have to do every single game if you want to improve.”

Giampaolo also spoke of the importance of measuring up to Crotone in the desire stakes.

“They do things well and first and foremost I’ve told the players that we need to be matching their hunger. That’s the only way we’re going to be able to show how good we are as the game progresses,” he said.

Samp have a big run of fixtures coming up, with a trip to Inter on Tuesday night followed by a match-up with Chieva Verona on Sunday.

“I’m taking it game by game and right now the focus is on picking the players that are best suited to facing Crotone,” said Giampaolo. “I’ve given a bit of thought to the midweek game, but only in terms of a few things about us and our opponents. I’m not paying too much attention to it.”