Ranieri’s derby analysis: “Comebacks count too”

Sampdoria picked up an important point in the 105^th Derby della Lanterna on Wednesday evening, after recovering from going a goal down early on in the second half. Here is how coach Claudio Ranieri analysed the proceedings: “We started well, but were too rushed. It was an even game. Their opening goal came from a bouncing ball that Zappacosta took full advantage of, but we did then react well and the team ran hard as always. It’s better to stage a comeback than to be beaten.

“Professional football without fans is already a horrible thing, but derbies without the fans’ tifos just isn’t football. We’re the side that has scored the most goals from corners alongside Inter. The players’ timing in the box is good and we have some very good crossers of the ball such as Candreva. He’s got six assists and scored four goals, so he’s a key player for us. We expect Keita to give more and more to the team. We’ve lost twice recently, but we were up against Lazio and Atalanta. Aren’t we asking too much of this Samp team? Everyone wants to win, but judgements have to be thought out. This is a team that has some gaps and we’re doing everything we can to fill them.”