D’Aversa underlines belief in the camp ahead of Sassuolo

Sampdoria head to Sassuolo on Sunday looking to bounce back from their opening-day defeat to AC Milan – a game which nonetheless offered Roberto D’Aversa plenty of encouragement.

“We got our approach right and matched a Champions League team,” the coach began. “It was decided by a small detail but we were in the ascendancy in the second half and we came away from it with our confidence boosted.

“We know Sassuolo are very good on the ball and they have pacy players who can cause you problems but we’re improving all the time. I want to see us play with character and courage.”

Sunday will be D’Aversa’s 100th Serie A match as coach.

“It’s a nice milestone to reach – a bit like going to the university of coaches, although I still consider myself young. I want to keep learning and improving and be involved in many more matches.

“This game comes just before the international break so it’s even more important to get a good result so that there’s less pressure on us as we train over the next two weeks.”