Sampdoria vs Parma preview - Mihajlovic hopes for Europa League
Posted Saturday, May 30, 2015 by PA
Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic wants to lead his team into the Europa League - even though he may not coach them next season.
Before Samp's last game at home to Parma on Sunday there is plenty of speculation that Mihajlovic will leave this summer.
The Serbian tactician is a reported target of Napoli and AC Milan, with both clubs looking for new coaches for the 2015-16 campaign.
"Mihajlovic hasn't said anything to me," Samp president Massimo Ferrero said to the Italian press. "If he went to Napoli, he would find a different world there.
"Here he can do what he wants, but there the supporters are a tough crowd, who want results immediately.
"But I don't think he will go to Napoli but rather to Milan as AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani likes him very much."
Mihajlovic says his focus is on matters on the pitch.
"It's important that we win our final game," he said. "We have given our all and must not forget everything we did during the season."
Samp have won just one of their last nine league games and last weekend's 1-1 draw at Empoli left them in seventh place, four points adrift of city rivals Genoa, who are sixth and hold the last Europa League qualifying spot.
Genoa have not been granted a UEFA licence by the Italian Football Federation to compete in Europe next season.
The Grifoni have appealed and are awaiting a final decision.
If the decision stands, however, it means that seventh place will offer entry to the Europa League, and Samp need just a point on Sunday to defend their current position.
"I am a football man and it would be scant consolation if we got into Europe like that," Mihajlovic said. "We must compliment Genoa, as they deserved qualification on the field."
Samp will fancy their chances as Sunday's opponents have won just once on the road this season and have lost 14 of their 18 away games.
Parma were relegated to the second tier last month after a dismal campaign which have seen them win just six of their 37 matches.
The Gialloblu will not be allowed to register for Serie B next season unless a 74million euros (B£53million) sporting debt is cleared.
"I just hope we can finish the season well and that Parma will have a future in Serie B," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said.
Parma held Hellas Verona to a 2-2 draw last time out and have clinched just one point in their last five league games.
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