Rossi looks beyond Pirlo threat

5 January 2013 00:04

Sampdoria coach Delio Rossi says his players will not focus on restricting Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo when the teams meet on Sunday.

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 Sampdoria coach, who believes his side have a chance of beating Juve but said 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.