CLAUDIO RANIERI DOE does not fear history will repeat itself after comparisons were drawn between Sampdoria’s predicament and the one he faced at Fulham. 

The 67-year-old has taken the reins at a club residing bottom of Serie A, with the Blucerchiati posting just three points from their opening seven games to cost Eusebio Di Francesco his job.

Fulham were also rooted to the foot of the Premier League table when the Italian took charge in November 2018, but he was dismissed after winning only three of his 17 games at the helm. 

However, Ranieri considers the task at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris to be vastly different from the one he took on at Craven Cottage. 

“Sampdoria are not Fulham. Don’t forget, Fulham were a newly promoted club with players who had never been in the Premier League,” 2015/16 Leicester City Premier League-winning manager and ex-Chelsea boss Ranieri said.

“In the January transfer window, they followed the advice of algorithms. This is totally different. Sampdoria have played good football and are struggling, so now need the desire to fight hard.

“The quality towards the lower half of the table has improved significantly, which adds difficulties to us, but is also a sign that Italian football is returning to the top level.

I’ll be honest, it was a surprise when I got the call from Sampdoria. I’d had surgery on my knee and wasn’t expecting this to be my medication. 

“I am convinced this squad does not belong at the foot of the Serie A table. When a team is rock bottom, naturally there is a lack of self-esteem, but I want my players not to give up. I am a sportsman, so I know how to accept defeat if the opponent proves he is stronger, but he has to prove it.

“I am not picking the team, it is the lads who must show me who really wants to save Sampdoria. We need the team, the fans and myself to be as one.”

It is Ranieri’s birthday on Sunday and he will mark the occasion with a home match against his former employers and the club he supports, Roma.

“I am a Roma supporter, but have always appreciated Samp,” he said, having also succeeded Di Francesco at Stadio Olimpico. 

“I was happy when they won the Scudetto [in 1991] and disappointed during the European Cup final defeat at Wembley [in 1992]. I respect Di Francesco and hope he finds a new role as soon as possible.

“As for facing Roma on my debut – and my birthday – it’s all wonderful. Naturally, when we step on to that pitch, there is no love, but only professionalism. May the best team win, we will try to give our best.”

Ryan Bailey steps into the presenter’s chair where he’s joined by Murray Kinsella and Eoin Toolan on the line for Japan to tee up one of the biggest, if not the biggest week in Irish rugby: a World Cup quarter-final against back-to-back champions New Zealand.

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