Giampaolo demands solid Samp showing against Torino

Attitude and performance regardless of the opposition and the result. That’s what Marco Giampaolo expects from his team against Torino, and in every match, after they impressed against AC Milan but came away empty-handed.

Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s game at the Ferraris, the coach said: “Our aim must be to win while entertaining the fans. We must remain humble and focused in every game, whether our opponents are top or bottom of the league. It’s your own attitude that makes the difference, regardless of how good the opposition is. Then afterwards you can analyse things – looking at more than just the result.”

The two teams go into the Week 10 fixture separated by a single point, with both hoping harbouring European ambitions.

“Torino are a team that’s been put together with the objective of qualifying for Europe. Sampdoria are working to get there.

“They have strong, physical players and they’re unbeaten away from home this season. They’re a solid outfit who are tough to play against. It’s going to be a very tricky match. We’ll need skill and strength and we must be first to the second balls. We’re going to need a top-level performance if we want to win.”

The boss then provided an update on the fitness and form of some of his players.

“[Gregiore] Defrel and [Nicola] Murru are both fit again and will be in the squad.

“Jacopo Sala is an excellent player and I think people are a bit harsh on him at times. If another player makes a mistake, they turn a blind eye but not when it’s him. People are too quick to lay the blame at his door. I make lots of mistakes but the players I train aren’t a mistake and he’s one of our first-choice players.

“[Riccardo] Saponara is a first-choice player too – he just needs a bit of time and confidence – and so are [Gianluca] Caprari and [Dawid] Kownacki. Nowadays you have more than 11 first-choice players. Dawid is working away and keeping his head down but I don’t think he’s completely calm at the moment.”

Following recent calls for changes to be made to the use of VAR – with Torino president Urbano Cairo among the staunchest supporters – Giampaolo was asked for his own take on the matter.

“Four or five years ago football was a different game where decision-making was sometimes ruled by emotions. I feel there’s more protection with VAR, although mistakes still get made occasionally. Nowadays you analyse things on the pitch, not during the post-match chat.

“I think it’s just fine as it is, although it could be improved further in future. It’s strange when playing without VAR now. It happened to us for half an hour against SPAL. What happens in if you concede an offside goal? With VAR you can hope to beat one of the big teams fair and square on the pitch.”