Two points dropped for Gabbiadini: “I want to help Samp qualify for Europe”

You could have forgiven Manolo Gabbiadini for viewing today’s game as a chance to reacclimatise to Italian football, before he sets a target for the latter half of the season.

However, the recently returned striker felt the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser to Fiorentina just as keenly as his team-mates.

“It’s a shame because they’re our direct rivals for a spot in Europe,” Manolo said after the game. “We’re a team that plays good football and we’ve got a great squad. We managed to get into the lead from a losing position, so it’s a case of two points dropped for me. Well done Fiorentina, but we lacked a killer instinct at the end.”

Gabbiadini has come back determined to help the team achieve its targets and immediately there were signs of a good understanding with Fabio Quagliarella, as shown by his assist for the latter’s second goal.

“I had two great years here, so it was an easy choice to come back. I put a lot of pressure on myself and this is a great side: Caprari, Defrel and Quagliarella are all excellent strikers; with Fabio especially this isn’t news to anyone.

“Physically I’m doing well,” Manolo concluded, “but I need to gel into a team that is already in excellent form.”