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Sampdoria Boss Luigi Delneri: Genoa Derby Is Like A Champions League Final

The 59-year-old says the two port-city sides will go into the highly anticipated derby on an equal footing...

Nov 27, 2009 4:40:12 PM

Gigi Del Neri - Sampdoria (Getty Images)

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Gigi Del Neri - Sampdoria (Getty Images)

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Luigi Del Neri

Sampdoria coach Luigi Delneri has compared the upcoming Derby della Lanterna against Genoa to the Champions League final.

The Blucerchiati are four points ahead of the Grifoni in the standings going into Saturday's match, but the ex-Porto tactician does not believe the advantage will count for anything during the 90 minutes.

"It's not just a game, it's the derby. It's like a Champions League final," he was quoted as saying by Il Corriere dello Sport during a press conference.

"Getting ahead [in the standings] before this match does not mean anything. It is a game too special for that to count. It's not right to say Samp have an advantage because they can get two out of three results, only one matters, and that is whoever wins."

Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini recently declared he was impressed with Delneri and the style of play Sampdoria have used this season.

"I thank him and I think the same about Genoa," he mused.

"Gasperini has given the right attitude to his team, and the results prove it."

Adam Scime, Goal.com

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