Marco Giampaolo said Manolo Gabbiadini “arrived with great enthusiasm,” but won’t start Sampdoria’s European showdown with Fiorentina.

It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

The Blucerchiati brought in Gabbiadini from Southampton this week and he could get his debut, even if it is technically a return to the club he left in 2015.

Marco Giampaolo said Manolo Gabbiadini “arrived with great enthusiasm,” but won’t start Sampdoria’s European showdown with Fiorentina.

It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

The Blucerchiati brought in Gabbiadini from Southampton this week and he could get his debut, even if it is technically a return to the club he left in 2015.

“He arrived with great enthusiasm and that is important. We’ll see if he plays, but he certainly won’t be in the starting XI,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“Sampdoria have not had problems scoring so far, as we are among the most prolific sides in the league. His arrival brings quality and more verve upfront, as you don’t win a game by changing the full-backs.”

Karol Linetty and Edgar Barreto are both out of action, so Jakub Jankto is set for a starting spot in midfield.

This is a head-to-head for European ambitions, as only three points separate the teams going into this weekend.

“Fiorentina are a very physical side with a lot of individual talents and they have started picking up more results recently. I expect a strong opponent, but we are capable of fighting it out with the best of them.

“In reality, there’s only one Europa League spot up for grabs and as things stand it’s a competition between Sampdoria, Fiorentina, Atalanta, Torino, Sassuolo and more. Everyone is aiming for it, but there’s a long way to go.

“I want to see a positive mentality from my men against any opponent, whether we are the favourites or the underdogs, taking it one game at a time.”

The Viola also signed a new striker and it’s another former Samp star, Luis Muriel.

“I am very fond of Luis, as we worked well together, but he left when the time came for him to stretch his wings,” added Giampaolo.

Dawid Kownacki is not in the squad, as it’s confirmed he is on his way towards Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Sampdoria squad for Fiorentina: Audero, Belec, Rafael; Andersen, Bereszynski, Colley, Ferrari, Murru, Regini, Rolando, Sala, Tavares, Tonelli; Ekdal, Jankto, Praet, Ramírez, Saponara, Vieira; Caprari, Defrel, Gabbiadini, Quagliarella

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