Giampaolo rues lack of cutting edge as Europa League dream hangs by a thread

After a costly 1-0 defeat away to Sassuolo, Sampdoria’s dream of Europa League qualification appears to be over.

Speaking after the game, Marco Giampaolo said: “It’s mathematically still possible, but this was a game we needed to win.

“At times like this, motivation and mental energy make all the difference, but we came into this game a bit short.

“We had possession but it was sterile – we didn’t threaten. We’ve kept hold of this dream but today we needed to win.”

The Samp boss rued the lack of attacking options, which blunted his team’s threat in the final third.

“We were really short in attack. Dawid Kownacki was the only player who was okay and we know that the forwards are the ones who score goals.

“This is one of several games we’ve lost against so-called lesser sides. We need to think about that. By contrast, we’ve beaten Atalanta and Fiorentina home and away. Perhaps this is the league position that we deserve.”

Nonetheless, Giampaolo can reflect on a tangible improvement on last season, with Samp already eight points better off.

“I tell the players that they’ve made me proud on many occasions. Sometimes we could have done better but sometimes we outdid ourselves.

“As for phone calls from a club president in Naples? I have been called by a president and had a call from Naples. Massimo Ferrero called me and the call from Naples was to tell me I have a prize to pick up on 28 May.”