Sampdoria Coach Marco Giampaolo wants something “extraordinary” against Juventus, but understands Gigi Buffon’s frustration in Madrid.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“On paper, this game is impossible. Juventus lost their last match against us in Genoa, then put together 16 wins with four goals conceded,” said Giampaolo in his Press conference.
Sampdoria Coach Marco Giampaolo wants something “extraordinary” against Juventus, but understands Gigi Buffon’s frustration in Madrid.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“On paper, this game is impossible. Juventus lost their last match against us in Genoa, then put together 16 wins with four goals conceded,” said Giampaolo in his Press conference.
“However, football is not played on paper, as we saw in the Champions League quarter-finals this week. Roma turned around a 4-1 deficit and Juve very nearly did the same.
“I am aware of Juve’s strength and the fact they put in one of their best performances under Max Allegri on Wednesday. We have to do even better than we did when beating Juventus in November.
“We played well against Genoa, because we took the initiative throughout and allowed them no chances. It used up a lot of energy, but every game is important now and we have to keep dancing.
“I told the lads there’s always room to do something extraordinary. The only way to have a chance is not to systematically give the ball back to Juve, not to defend right in front of our penalty area. It has to be extraordinary.”
It remains to be seen how Juventus will react after the fall-out from their Champions League exit to Real Madrid and the controversy that followed.
“I understand Buffon. He had an extraordinary match, has never won the Champions League and is 40 years old. You have to understand the sentiment of the player. There is passion, sport and all those who criticised him are just sitting behind a desk.
“I have already said that VAR does bring some guarantees, but is not infallible. Watching a Champions League game without VAR feels like going back 20 years, like pre-historic football.
“Nowadays VAR might get it wrong, but it’s still a big step forward and the referees are more relaxed too.”
There have to be some changes in defence, as Bartosz Bereszynski is suspended and Nicola Murru injured.
“Jacopo Sala will play on the right, but I still have to decide at left-back. Ivan Strinic had fitness problems and I told him, both in private and in front of the squad, that I don’t care about his contract situation. The moment I see him with the right spirit and mentality, I have no problem in playing him.”
Giampaolo was also asked about his own future.
“I am happy at Sampdoria, they let me get my work done. My intention is to continue, but we’ll sit down at the end of the season and evaluate what we all want to do.
“Whether there’s a contract or not, if we don’t see things the same way, then I’ll move on.”