Sampdoria coach Mimmo di Carlo expects an exciting 2011 for fans.

Since taking over from Gigi Del Neri in the summer, Di Carlo has gone out in the Champions League preliminary round and the Europa League group phase.

"I found what I expected to. At Sampdoria you always work to improve, there is absolute experience and competence at every level," said Di Carlo.

"There is a real working culture shared by the club, players and fans. Thinking back on my first two games against Werder Bremen, I get goosebumps. There were also exciting matches like the 3-3 away to Juventus or 1-1 at Inter with so many fans making the trip. That's when I realised I have joined a big club.

"We started out with an unfair elimination from the Champions League, which still hurts now. We had the same problem in the Europa League and did not get what we deserved, but can use these experiences for our future.

"Being in Europe meant we dropped a few too many points in Serie A, but our current position allows us to look to 2011 with confidence."