Giampaolo praised for sportmanship at 2018 Football Leader Awards

At this year’s Football Leader awards, held in the Royal Continental Hotel in Naples, Sampdoria coach Marco Giampaolo was handed the ‘Panchina Giusta’ award for his exemplary behaviour on the touchline.

The winner of this prestigious award was decided after a vote by members of the AIAC, the Italian Football Coaches’ Association, with 81 of the best coaches in the country casting their vote. “The prize goes to the coach that has stood out for fair play, sportsmanship and honest conduct. With his composure and his standing as a football man, Giampaolo has set an excellent example not only to his own players but also to opponents,” according to the members.

On receiving the prize, the Samp boss was keen to thank those that have been by his side in recent years: “It’s a nice recognition to get from one’s colleagues and I’d like to thank those who gave me this opportunity: Sampdoria in the last two seasons, and Empoli who brought me to Serie A. I share this with them and all my players: without the players themselves, coaches don’t achieve anything.”