Gabbiadini: “A big win against a direct rival”

Manolo Gabbiadini underlined the importance of Sampdoria’s victory against Verona after scoring a second-half penalty as the Blucerchiati came from behind to win 3-1.

Gabbia was part of a highly effective triple change – along with Keita Balde and Antonio Candreva – made by Claudio Ranieri at half time, with the result taking Doria to within two points of their opponents, who currently occupy ninth-place in the table.

“It was an important win because they’re a direct rival and it moves us closer to them,” Manolo observed. “We want to finish the season strong and didn’t want to lose at home.

“We changed our approach in the second half, pressed them a bit higher and got the early goal, which made things easier.

“They play very aggressively, man for man, and it wasn’t at all easy but we did well to get back in it by playing as a team.

“We have another two matches next week. Crotone will be tough because they’re strong in attack with the likes of Simy and [Junior] Messias, then we visit Sassuolo, who play really good football.

“However, we’re in good shape and we want to keep winning.”