Sampdoria coach Vincenzo Montella stood up for defender Andrea Ranocchia after he committed an error which resulted in one of the goals conceded by the Blucerchiati in the 2-0 defeat to Palermo.
Ranocchia was dispossessed in defence before Franco Vazquez scored the opening goal for the Rosanero. Despite the mistake, Montella sympathised with his centre-back and turned his attention to the Derby della Lanterna against Genoa in Week 37.
“He wasn’t very fortunate,” Montella told RAI Sport when asked about Ranocchia. “Sometimes it happens that he makes errors like the one he made today and I feel sorry for him because he is a good player. Unfortunately we did not have the strength to get back into the game.
“Unfortunately we will go home with zero points. We have to get points in the derby and finish the season well..”
The Sampdoria tactician has also emerged as a contender for the Italy coaching role when Antonio Conte leaves but he was not keen to discuss his coaching future in great detail.
“I have said that I would think about it if an offer arrived,” Montella added. “For a coach it is a dream but I have had no talks with Italy so it is a pointless discussion.”
