Giampaolo: “There’s always something to lose, even against the best”

Marco Giampaolo has dismissed suggestions his Doria side have nothing to lose when they travel to Turin to take on champions Juventus on Saturday.

“There’s always something to lose if there’s a prize to be won,” said the Blucerchiati coach. “It doesn’t matter how good the opposition are. Juventus are certainly a very good side – they’re strong in Italy, strong in Europe and even strong financially.”

Giampaolo has overseen a fine run of results for Sampdoria recently, with Doria’s form matching that of the mighty Bianconeri.

“I don’t look at the table,” he said. “I’m not interested. We’re exceeding expectations. You all said that we had a bit of a dip, but if that hadn’t been the case we would be second or third. Losing every now and then is normal. What’s not normal is never losing.”

Tomorrow will be the last in a run of three games since 23 December – and the intense festive fixture list is beginning to take its toll on the Blucerchiati.

“The doctor is picking the team tomorrow,” joked Giampaolo. “We have a lot of things to look at. My decisions are going to be more based on who has recovered best than on technical factors. The players in the best shape will play.”

Regardless of fitness concerns, Giampaolo urged his side to rise to the occasion at Allianz Stadium.

“We need to do more than just perform well without the ball because Juventus will create chances,” he said. “We also need to do something extraordinary when we have possession, because if we have it that means they don’t. And we’ll need to play with a bit of arrogance if we’re going to manage that.”