Ranieri demands ‘more pragmatic’ Samp against Torino

Claudio Ranieri has pinpointed greater pragmatism as the main area where his side need to improve if they are to put their cup exit behind them with a good result against Torino on Monday.

“We must forget about the Coppa Italia and bounce back against a team that need points just like us,” the boss explained.

“I think we maybe got a bit ahead of ourselves after we won three in a row. I want to see the Samp of old – less spectacular and more pragmatic, with the same mentality that got us out of the rut last season.”

Torino, led by former Sampdoria coach Marco Giampaolo, have struggled in this opening part of the season but appear to have picked up somewhat in their last few outings.

“That was to be expected because we know how Giampaolo works,” Ranieri added. “He needs time to get his tactical ideas into the players.

“They pass the ball around very well, though, and keep it moving with one or two touches. When you close them down it’s very difficult to win the ball. We’ll have to be really alert.”