Pirlo just part of problem Juventus pose, says Sampdoria coach Rossi

05-Jan-2013 2:40:00 AM

The Bluerchati will travel to the Turin-based club on Sunday hoping to put a dent in the impressive form that the reigning Serie A champions have forged this season

Focusing on restricting Andrea Pirlo’s play will not be part of Sampdoria’s plan on Sunday, head coach Delio Rossi has revealed.

Many sides opt to man-mark the veteran Italy international such is his talent on the ball, to varying degrees of success.

However, the midfielder is just one of a host of concerns for the Bluerchati boss, who believes his side have a chance of beating the Bianconeri but says it will not be remotely easy.

“I'm not a technician who likes to match up with the opponent’s formation,” he told a press conference.

“They are a very strong side, but we believe we can win.

“We will not focus purely on Andrea Pirlo - he is a special player, but there are others who can cause us problems.”

Sampdoria sit 15th in Serie A after 18 games in the 2012-13 campaign, just two points above the relegation zone.

Antonio Conte’s men, on the other hand, are seven points clear at the top of the table on 44 points and are in a solid position to retain the Scudetto.

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