Sampdoria chief Beppe Marotta insists coach Walter Mazzarri's job is safe, despite an outburst this week against his critics.

Marotta said: "The coach has responded clearly to some criticism that were raised and some of the people who were involved. If he is at risk I say this once: absolutely not. He has always worked well, ever since sitting on our bench and is continuing to do so.

"I can say that this season the level of our opponents has increased, just look at Palermo, Napoli and Lazio."