Hellas Verona - Sampdoria preview - Toni backs coach Mandorlini

Posted Sunday, December 07, 2014 by PA

Hellas Verona striker Luca Toni has sprung to the defence of under-fire coach Andrea Mandorlini ahead of Monday's home game against Sampdoria.

The Verona outfit have failed to win in Serie A since October 4 and have collected only three points in that time to drop to 14th place.

Last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Sassuolo, which followed their 2-1 reverse to Fiorentina, piled further pressure on Mandorlini.

"I have a great rapport with Mandorlini," Toni told the club's official website. "He is the first to be criticised but we, the players, should be the ones to be blamed for our recent results.

"We are the ones that go out on the pitch and we know we have to do better.

"Our aim is to defend our top-flight status as soon as possible and we are eager to get back on track.

"We expect a very difficult match against a very good side but are very determined to go out and beat Samp."

Mandorlini was given a breather in midweek when his side beat Perugia 1-0, courtesy of Javier Saviola's penalty, to progress to the last 16 of the Coppa Italia.

Sampdoria also joined Verona in the next round after Thursday's 2-0 victory over Serie B side Brescia.

"Our aim is to go as far as possible in this competition and even win it," Samp coach Sinisa Mihajlovic told the Italian media."To win the Coppa is the fastest path to play in Europe next season.

"We know it will not be easy but I believe we can do it."

Samp, who will face Inter Milan in the next round of the Coppa, head into Monday's game unbeaten in four league games and having lost just one match all season.

The Genoa outfit were held to a 1-1 draw by Napoli last time out and are fifth in the standings heading into the 14th week of the season.

The Blucerchiati will be without midfielders Roberto Soriano and Pedro Obiang, both suspended.

The hosts are without the services of midfielder Emil Hallfredssonb , who must serve a one-match ban.