Giampaolo ready for Milan contest: “We won’t betray our principles”

Tomorrow’s game at the San Siro sees the clash of two sides within touching distance of the European qualification places. Ahead of the contest, however, Marco Giampaolo was keen to underline that there’s plenty of football to be played between now and the season’s end.

“This isn’t a six-pointer because there are lots of games left until the end of the season, but it’s an important game, of course,” he said.

“It’ll be a good contest, a game we’ll play without betraying our principles. If we slip up, we’re still making progress, but a negative result for Milan will be tougher on them.”

Plenty has changed since the last time these two teams met, especially at the home side with Gennaro Gattuso arriving to help the Rossoneri back up the league table.

“We’re up against a team in their best spell of the season. I like Gattuso – he’s a humble coach and he’s showing real professionalism,” the Samp boss added

“All my players are fine, except for [Jacopo] Sala, who’s got an ankle problem, and [Dennis] Praet who’s well on the way to recovery. The team trained well, as I like to see.

“We won’t be on our own at the San Siro – I’ve read we’ll have a good following of fans. I’m optimistic.”