Giampaolo: “Sampdoria are no outsiders”

Sampdoria head to SPAL this weekend seeking another three points as the race for European football hots up.

“We need to keep the results coming so we can stay in the running to achieve our target,” Marco Giampaolo said at a news conference on the eve of the trip to Ferrara.

“Atalanta, Fiorentina and Torino may all be having great seasons but we’re still in the mix and I don’t see why we should be considered as outsiders. Obviously the fewer mistakes we make the better chance we’ll have. There are 13 games left to play and we must see them all as six-pointers.”

Sampdoria’s opponents have struggled at home this season, where they haven’t won since beating Atalanta on 17 September, but are desperate for points themselves as they attempt to beat the drop.

“SPAL are scrapping for their own objective, which is to remain in the top flight. They’re a decent side and they’ve always caused us difficulties.”

Meanwhile Giampaolo has to contend with selection problems once again.

“We’ve trained well this week but we’re still without some important players: Barreto, Caprari, Ramirez and Tonelli won’t be involved, and nor will Ekdal, as he’s suspended. I hope to get them all back again as soon as possible so that we can live up to our ambitions in the business end of the season.”