Ranieri calls for focus ahead of Parma: “We’re not safe yet”

Sampdoria have not ensured their top-flight status just yet. That was Claudio Ranieri’s take-home message as he spoke ahead of the Blucerchiati’s trip to Parma.

Four wins from the last five fixtures have seen Doria move nine points clear of the drop zone, but with 15 still to play for and the Genoa derby just around the corner, the boss was keen to ensure his charges channel all their energy into Sunday’s match at the Stadio Tardini.

“This game against Parma is crucial because afterwards we might be able to say that we’re safe. We’re not there yet though and that’s why I expect absolutely everything from my players. I want absolute focus. The derby comes after.”

Parma have struggled for results recently but Ranieri knows that does nothing to reduce the threat posed by Roberto D’Aversa’s side.

“We’ve studied Parma and it’s going to be an extremely difficult match. It’s true that they’ve lost a lot of games recently but apart from when they lost 3-1 to AC Milan all the others they lost by a single goal, from a penalty or whatever, and they always went down fighting.

“I hope to see the same team we’ve been recently. I like the post-Covid Sampdoria but we must give 100%, or 110%. If we give 99%, we’re not the same team.”

Hear more from the boss in the video below.