Sampdoria coach Gigi del Neri was delighted with their derby victory over Genoa.

Antonio Cassano settled a tense, fiery derby with the only goal of the game.

"It was a great victory in front of a wonderful crowd," said Del Neri. "We learned from the mistakes of the past and didn't allow Genoa any space to hurt us.

"Now we want to keep hold of fourth place. We are the favourites for that Champions League spot and I hope we can maintain it until the end of the season."

The Coach was under fire earlier in the campaign for dropping Antonio Cassano, but the striker has been on fine form recently.

"I had to make an unpopular decision, but it was for his own good and that of the team. It worked well for both in the long run. I think scoring in the derby made him very happy."