Sampdoria vs Torino preview - Amauri keen to earn Toro trust

Posted Saturday, September 13, 2014 by PA

Veteran striker Carvalho Amauri is eager to win the trust of Torino fans and prove that he still has much to give if he makes his debut for the club on Sunday at Sampdoria.

The 34-year-old joined Toro from Parma this summer but many Torino supporters remember him from his days as a player with cross-town rivals Juventus.

"I know the club fans are a bit perplexed by my arrival," Amauri said "But I cannot wait to play and prove my worth.

"From the first moment I arrived at Torino, I felt right at home.

"We have a great group."

Amauri, who scored eight goals to help Parma finish sixth in Serie A last term, arrived to the Granata as a replacement for Alessio Cerci.

Cerci, who netted 21 times in two years at Torino, was sold to Spanish champions Atletico Madrid earlier this month.

"I've always liked challenges," Amauri said. "I am really enthusiastic about this new adventure.

"This is my last big opportunity and I want to make the most of it."

Amauri will play alongside former Juve team-mate Fabio Quagliarella in Toro's attack.

Toro coach Giampiero Ventura may rest goalkeeper Jean Francois Gillet in view of Thurday's match at Club Brugge, with Daniele Padelli coming in to face Samp.

The Granata, who returned to Europe after a 20-year wait, will also face FC Copenhagen and HJK in the Europa League group stages.

Toro will be bolstered by the return of Giuseppe Vives for the encounter in Genoa, with the Italian playmaker having missed his team's goalless draw against Inter Milan in their opener through suspension.

Rivals Samp are desperate to clinch their first league victory since April 27.

Sinisa Mihajlovic's men drew 1-1 at Palermo on day one of the campaign.

Samp, who finished a disappointing 12th last season, will be without suspended defender Vasco Regini for the encounter at what is likely to be a packed Luigi Ferraris stadium.