Genoa defender Sebastian De Maio says the 1-1 draw with Sampdoria at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris was an improvement on their previous league meeting.
The Grifone lost the derby in September and, while they quickly threw away a lead in this evening’s Derby della Lanterna, a point keeps Genoa ahead of the Blucerchiati in the Serie A table on goal difference.
De Maio felt a draw was a satisfactory result while absolving centre-back partner Facundo Roncaglia of blame after his error allowed Eder to equalise minutes after Iago Falque’s 17th minute opener.
“There is regret for our defeat the last time,” said the 27-year-old Frenchman to Mediaset.
“We could have produced a fantastic result but, in the end, a point is okay.
“The mistake [by Roncaglia] we can accept but I congratulate him because he continued playing and he didn’t give up.”
The former Bresia defender also spoke about his physical battle with Sampdoria’s Italian international Stefano Okaka.
“Yes, it is always a good battle,” said De Maio. “Okaka has great upper body strength, but I think I did well against him this time.”
