“We have great potential,” says Keita

Keita Balde scored Sampdoria’s second goal against Parma on Sunday, producing an inch-perfect shot across the keeper with his left foot to get his third of the campaign.

Speaking after the match he said: “We went out determined to win the game and we are happy that we did. There’s no such thing as an easy match: sometimes you have to dig in to go on and win, as we did.

“I’m still not 100 per cent fit but I’m getting there. I came to Sampdoria to help the coach and my team-mates, with great humility: I always try to give everything for the good of the team.”

On his goal, the forward added: “Gastón gave me a great ball – we’d already tried this type of move during the week and I’m happy it worked in the game.

“I like our attacking attitude – we have great potential and it needs to be exploited, as the coach has done.”