Giampaolo expresses frustration at loss: “This result sets us back”

Sampdoria’s 3-0 loss today away to Bologna has almost killed off the European dream, but head coach Marci Giampaolo is determined to keep trying while it’s still mathematically possible.

“This result sets us back,” the Blucerchiati head coach declared at the Stadio Dall’Ara. “We had a decent first half, but in the second half we conceded two goals from set pieces and one where our keeper was injured and it put us completely out of kilter.

“Bologna deserved to win without a doubt, but the goals we let in were so basic.”

Giampaolo refused to look for excuses, even if he found the goals Samp conceded difficult to explain.

“We had no chances to get back in the game, apart from Ekdal’s. We were in the contest and focused in the first half, but after the break we needed to carry on playing in the same way.

“We set ourselves the target of Europe in order to raise the bar and it’s not over yet,” the gaffer concluded. “We can still achieve it, but we need to bounce back successfully and open the door again through hard work. Lazio is do-or-die: the last opportunity to keep the ambition alive.”