Ranieri: “We lost the game but the team competed”

Sampdoria turned in combative performance away at Roma but left the Italian capital empty handed on Sunday afternoon. It was a display that Claudio Ranieri takes hope from, however, as he explained after the match.

“We stayed nice and compact – Roma struggled to carve us open. We tried to cause them problems on the counter,” he said.

“I think we performed well, excellently in fact, but then [Edin] Dzeko scored a good goal. We know how good he is. He found the right opening at the right time.”

The coach continued: “It was a good display on a collective and individual level. After we conceded we showed the spirit and desire to try and come back.

“We however need to try and manage the ball better when we want to attack. We passed up opportunities on the counter, against a Roma side who were focused and determined to get the win.

“I’ve not had Keita Baldé and Manolo Gabbiadini available in this run of games – they’re the reinforcements I’m looking for. If there is something on the market that suits us we will do it.”