Sampdoria coach Walter Mazzarri accepts the pressure is on for a reaction today against Cagliari after their midweek 5-0 trouncing by AC Milan at home.

Samp fans invaded training on Thursday and Mazzarri admits: "I want to see a tough squad in Sardinia, one that battles hard, gives its heart and soul and provides me with some answers.

"What is certain is that I will field a united team that is experienced, with 11 players who have already gone through tough moments in their career like this and know how to get out of such situations.

"It is inevitable that sooner or later we will emerge. The only way to escape from these tunnels is to stick together and work hard."

The Blucerchiati have also been knocked out of the UEFA Cup and some accused the side of lacking character.

"That is not the case, because these lads have the right spirit and proved it since the first day of pre-season training," assured Mazzarri.

"What we have been missing is a sense of aggression, but that is different. I want to see challenges so tough against Cagliari that the football bursts."