[LaVecchiaSignora]

Sampdoria boss Walter Mazzarri has called for his side to repeat their gutsy performance against Hajduk Split when they take on Danish side Aalborg.

The Blucerchiati had to dig deep to see off the tenacious Croatians in the second qualifying round and were left sweating on a 2-1 aggregate lead with minutes left of the second leg.

Aalborg saw off Finnish side HJK Helsinki in their all-Scandinevian qualifying tie, but Mazzarri’s men will be confident as they host Denmark’s third side on Thursday despite last weekend’s defeat at Sampdoria.

“The Danes are strong and I have heard that they are doing well. It’s important that our midfield helps to cover the defence,” Mazzarri stated.

Samp’s preparations have been hampered by a host of injuries. Defenders Pietro Accardi, Chrsitian Maggio and Hugo Campagnaro are doubts as is midfielder Sergio Volpi.

Summer swoop Antonio Cassano will remain on the sidelines for several weeks amd the latest absentee is stopper Stefano Lucchini, who has knee ligament damage.

It is a huge week for Sampdoria as they preapre to face city rivals Genoa in the Derby della Lanterna this weekend.

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