Vincenzo Montella admits “nobody expected” Sampdoria to be fighting Fiorentina for third with “temperamental” Sinisa Mihajlovic.
The two sides face off on Saturday at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Samp are a team who hardly ever get under pressure in games, are compact and have great quality,” said the Viola boss in his Press conference.
Vincenzo Montella admits “nobody expected” Sampdoria to be fighting Fiorentina for third with “temperamental” Sinisa Mihajlovic.
The two sides face off on Saturday at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Samp are a team who hardly ever get under pressure in games, are compact and have great quality,” said the Viola boss in his Press conference.
“We must be intelligent, because the counter-attack is their greatest weapon along with the individual talents.
“They did well against us earlier this term to make the most of their chances, but they never dominated us. It could’ve gone differently.
“What worries me the most about Samp is that they are clinical. We must give our all and put in an intelligent performance to get the better of them.”
This will also be a battle between Montella and ex-Fiorentina Coach Mihajlovic.
“We are friends and have known each other a long time. There is admiration and respect, then on the pitch we each have our own ideas.
“He’s a temperamental Coach, much as he was as a player. In certain ways he was inspired on the field and scored many goals.”
Only two points currently separate fourth-placed Sampdoria from Fiorentina in sixth.
“Nobody expected Sampdoria to be challenging for third place in April. They are the surprises of the season along with Empoli, Sassuolo and Palermo.”
The Viola are about to go into a packed fixture list with Serie A, the Europa League quarter-final and Coppa Italia semi-final.
“I don’t have to tell my squad anything. I just ask for the love and support from the fans, as they have done so far, regardless of what happens on the field.
“We’ll try to soar, but if you don’t know how to fly yet it’s best to be careful, as you risk falling with a thump.
“The important thing is to remain concentrated, relaxed and happy. This squad has a clear identity of its own. We want to do well, working day by day.”
No press conference with Montella is complete without a question about his future.
“I was accustomed to this sort of gossip as a player too. I know that after two consecutive defeats they say you’re about to get fired, with two wins they link you to top clubs.
“No Coach experiences these situations with absolute calm, but I have the respect of the club and passion of the fans. These two things make me very happy.”