D’Aversa hails Sampdoria defenders
Sampdoria coach Roberto D’Aversa explains his adjustments against Empoli and calls Maya Yoshida and Omar Colley ‘among the best defenders in Serie A.’
The Blucerchiati had to thank Emil Audero for several saves at the Stadio Castellani, but ultimately ran out 3-0 winners through a Francesco Caputo double and Antonio Candreva solo strike into the far top corner.
Serie A | Empoli 0-3 Sampdoria: Caputo and Candreva commanding
“Empoli had started the first half better and we did well not to concede a goal at that stage, but the positive is that we hung on and then took the lead,” D’Aversa told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was important to get a win here, considering the games we’ve got coming up.”
Candreva moved to the left flank rather than the right and it proved a winning strategy, as he curled in right-footed.
“Playing on the opposite site makes it easier for him to get a shot away. Mikkel Damsgaard can play on either wing too.”
Deadline day signing Caputo got his first goals in the Samp jersey, starting to form a smart veteran partnership with Fabio Quagliarella.
“The club did really well to hold on to the big names and also bring in Caputo, plus two youngsters who will make their mark.
“I used Morten Thorsby to press high, he’s excellent at that, and it allowed me to use wingers in more advanced roles too. I would put Omar Colley and Maya Yoshida among the best defenders in Serie A.”
#Sampdoria, le parole di Roberto D’Aversa dopo la vittoria sull’#Empolihttps://t.co/2zC0mMeh7d
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) September 19, 2021