Giampaolo calls on Samp to focus on the here and now ahead of Verona test

Ahead of Sampdoria’s home clash against Hellas Verona, Marco Giampaolo warned his players that they face a tough test, despite tomorrow’s opponents finding themselves in the relegation zone.

“It’s useless to start thinking about the rest of our schedule,” he said.

“Right now, we have a tough game against Verona. It’s a game we want to win to preserve our league position, particuarly given the fact that we are favourites and that we’re playing in front of our fans.”

In the reverse fixture in September, Doria were unable to find a breakthrough in what ended in a goal-less draw at the Bentegodi. Hellas come into the game off the back of a battling performance against Roma after a poor start and a win away at Fiorentina.

Giampaolo added: “We’re up against a dogged side. They know how to attack in large numbers but also defend deep and hit on the break. We’ll need quality, anger and the support of our fans to win this.”

The boss will be unable to call upon Dennis Praet, who is still recovering from the injury picked up against Fiorentina, or Gaston Ramirez, who is serving a one-game ban, leaving him with several questions to answer as regards the starting eleven.

“Some very important players will be missing, but I’m sure that whoever plays will be able to put in a good performance.

“We’re dealing with Praet’s absence by using [Edgar] Barreto, [Valerio] Verre and [Jacopo] Sala, who has the ability to play in that part of the pitch. Dennis is determined to return soon.”