Audero finds post-derby slump “hard to explain”

A recurring feature of this season has been Emil Audero’s consistently excellent performances, but even the best have off-days and this one needs to be immediately shelved.

Of the three goals conceded, two were from set pieces and the third, when Audero was carrying an injury, effectively killed off the game in Bologna.

“It’s hard to explain such a big drop-off from the derby,” admitted Samp’s man between the sticks. “We knew about the difficulties we’d encounter. The opposition has changed massively since the new manager came in. We’ve missed an opportunity to win some ground and that’s a shame.”

Audero is keen to put this result behind him as soon as possible, as the team will soon begin preparations for the crucial fixture at home to Lazio next Sunday. After a half where Emil committed virtually the same number of mistakes as he has done all season, the keeper declared that “no one is happy when they play like this, but you can get days like today. You need to forget about it quickly.

“I believe in the work I put in and I want to show I can hack it,” the Blucerchiati shot-stopper concluded. “We’ve improved but we need to get even better. We want to do more: Lazio will be a decisive match, but it’s all still to play for.”