Sampdoria coach Mimmo Di Carlo insists they can go into their Champions League qualifier against Werder Bremen with confidence.

The Blucerchiati must go through a play-off and have been paired with the German side. The first leg is in Bremen on Wednesday August 18, followed by the Marassi decider on August 24.

"Any team we picked would've been welcomed the same way," insisted Di Carlo after missing the likes of Sevilla, Tottenham and Ajax in the draw.

"It is up to us to be ready. With the right organisation, mentality and spirit, Sampdoria can defeat Werder Bremen. We can do it."

He added: "They will be facing 11 players who are equally attack-minded, so it is going to be an entertaining clash over 180 minutes.

"It is important that we have the second leg at home, but let us not forget to play our game away as well..."