Marco Giampaolo felt Sampdoria did all they could against a Genoa side who “had no intention of playing football” and keep European ambitions alive.
The disappointing stalemate did precious little to boost their hopes of a Europa League place and ended their run of three consecutive Derby della Lanterna victories.
Marco Giampaolo felt Sampdoria did all they could against a Genoa side who “had no intention of playing football” and keep European ambitions alive.
The disappointing stalemate did precious little to boost their hopes of a Europa League place and ended their run of three consecutive Derby della Lanterna victories.
“In the last two years we’ve won two and drawn one, so it’d be extraordinary to just continue like that. Over the last few years, Samp have consistently shown themselves to be the best team in Genoa,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium after a 0-0 draw.
“We tried our best tonight, even against an opponent that clammed up and had no intention of playing football. We struggled a little and lost sharpness, while I also had to make two forced changes due to injuries.
“There are regrets over the finishing, the last pass, certain details that can change a game. Genoa had so many players behind the ball and it was hard to break through.
“I did expect Genoa to do that and tried to use Dennis Praet to spread them out a little, asking the midfielders to do slightly different tactical work to usual. My real regret is that I was only able to choose one substitution that would’ve given us other attacking options.
“We are up there in the race for Europe, we have been all season, and our ambition is to try until the end. I’d consider it an extraordinary result, but we have a mini-league to play in the final few rounds.”