Giampaolo lays out the blueprint: “Focus and quality on the ball to tackle Napoli”

The prospect of facing the league leaders in their backyard – a side lauded throughout Europe for their style of play and tipped as major contenders for the title – is not one that daunts Marco Giampaolo.

In fact, the Blucerchiati coach is excited about playing a match of this calibre.

“It should be a pleasure to be involved in such an important game,” he stressed during this afternoon’s pre-match press conference. “It will be a fascinating contest, played out on a stage made for the big occasions. We definitely need to approach it in a positive way and show great team spirit, as well as quality on the ball.”

In January earlier this year, Sampdoria delivered a fantastic performance at the Stadio San Paolo, capitulating only when Lorenzo Tonelli scored a 95th-minute winner.

“I’d be delighted if we were able to produce the same performance,” Giampaolo continued. “We played fantastically and were fully focused throughout. Matias Silvestre’s sending-off hurt us; I’d like to show the same attitude in tomorrow’s match, hopefully with 11 against 11.”

Giampaolo will look to play his strongest hand to try to counter Maurizio Sarri’s well-oiled machine. However, a few injury doubts remain on the eve of the game.

“Ricky Alvarez and Karol Linetty haven’t recovered yet and won’t be picked,” he concluded. “Duvan Zapata has got over the niggle he picked up against Sassuolo and will travel with us. I don’t know my starting XI yet, but I’m confident the team can serve up a high-quality performance.”