The countdown is almost over and the lights are ready to go on. Genoa and Sampdoria will meet for the 117th time in the history of the Derby della Lanterna on Sunday, a match that is worth an entire season for both teams. Genoa manager Ivan Juric spoke to the press leading up to the match.
"The lads have worked hard over the past two weeks, we've had time for a few players to recover. Sandro is healthy, I'm not sure if he'll play from the beginning, but I'm happy with how the players have returned from their national teams. Did those who stayed in Pegli make things difficult for me? Yes, because they all worked in the right way. I worked with those whom had played less and they grew."
"I'm excited for this match, I see it as a great opportunity. I'm feeling positive, I think that it could be a great day. The players must have the determination to win a derby, you have it or you don't, and I think my players have it. It's a group built for derbies. I think that the players must play for each other and for the team, I don't think there's a greater motivation than to win the derby."
"What team do I expect to see from Sampdoria? I'm a big fan of Giampaolo from his style of play and as a person. We'll adapt our style of play a bit, but we have our own idea of what will bring us ahead. We are a bit unpredictable and have players with these characteristics. This wasn't my ideal start, but we have players who must be allowed to express themselves on the pitch."
