Ranieri: “We need to get the Samp spirit back against Fiorentina”

Claudio Ranieri has urged his Sampdoria team to rediscover their true spirit ahead of the clash against Fiorentina at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday, following a frustrating result last time out against Benevento.

“My opinion hasn’t changed since watching the Benevento game back,” he said. “We should have done more. I don’t care about the result, but we do need to give our all. I know my players and I know what they can give me. I want to see the same heart and determination that we showed at the end of that game.”

Ranieri also gave his thoughts on Sunday’s opponents, Fiorentina, looking back to the home fixture against the Viola last season.

“Fiorentina are a team under pressure,” he said. “Last season we found ourselves 3-0 down despite them not having a shot on goal, but we kept trying to score until the very end. And we got one. For that reason, I didn’t criticise the team – the spirit was right.”

The Doria boss acknowledged that much has changed since the 2-1 win at Fiorentina earlier in the season.

“Fiorentina will be completely different to the away game,” he said. “[Franck] Ribery is available too. We’ve changed since then too – we’ve improved. That was the first of three fantastic performances. I’m thankful to the president because I’m delighted with the squad I have available. I can give opportunities to young players when they deserve to play, or I can go with more experienced heads, and the result doesn’t change.”

Ranieri went on to give an update on the team’s injury news.

“[Manolo] Gabbiadini is recovering but he’s not ready yet,” he said. “I’ll speak to him to see whether he wants to get back around the dressing room. [Alex] Ferrari is ready to go and may be available from the start on Sunday.”

Last but certainly not least, Ranieri had a few words on Samp’s efforts to mark Valentine’s Day this Sunday.

“We’re playing on ‘Samp Valentine’s Day’,” he said. “I know we’re going to be wearing a special patch – it’s great. It’s just a shame our fans won’t be there too.”