Giampaolo’s cautious optimism: “We’re recovering but we can build from this point”

Marco Giampaolo has now played five derbies against Genoa and is yet to taste defeat, but he’s viewing this result strictly in the context of Sampdoria’s recent poor form.

“After three losses, we’re still recovering,” the Blucerchiati head coach began, “but this result gives us a base to build from again.

“It was a tough game, played hard by both teams who kept going for the win. We tried our hardest and so did they. We began by showing personality, good possession and confidence, but then the penalty changed the whole balance of the match.”

One positive for the gaffer was the reaction in midfield; shorn of options with Karol Linetty and Edgar Barreto unavailable they nevertheless stood up to Genoa’s physicality.

“This evening our midfield was based around technical quality, as we missed Linetty and Barreto who have different attributes, yet we never got sucked into their game. When they want to, this team is capable of playing well.

“They caused us problems with their long balls and the knockdowns from their frontmen, but we never ran any serious risks,” Giampaolo concluded. “Overall, the team stuck at it for all 95 minutes. The only disappointment is that we made such a good start.”