D’Aversa on tough start: “We’ll see how we measure up against the best”

Roberto D’Aversa was in bullish mood after Sampdoria were given a tricky set of opening fixtures in the upcoming Serie A season.

The Blucerchiati’s first three home matches will see them host AC Milan, Napoli and Inter, with a trip to Juventus to follow in Week 6.

“Fate has handed us a difficult but exciting start to the season,” began the former Rossoneri academy prospect. “AC Milan is a club I’m very fond of because it’s where I grew up. It’s the first of three home games against sides involved in Europe, with Inter and Napoli to follow.

“We must respect every opponent but set out with the aim of winning every match. What makes Serie A difficult is not so much the individual game but the league as a whole.

“In any case, it’s a good thing we get to play these teams straight away because we can see how we measure up against the best.

“As for the derby, I know what it means for the Sampdoria family: it’s a game people wait for all year. I hope the stadium will go back to being the one I experienced as a player. I know how much help the team gets from the Gradinata Sud and the Samp faithful as a whole.”