Sampdoria boss Walter Mazzarri hailed his players' character after their 3-0 win at Cagliari yesterday.

Coming off a 5-0 whitewash at home by AC Milan - and clashes at training with Samp fans - Mazzarri was delighted with his team's response as Sergio Volpi, Andrea Caracciolo and Christian Maggio all struck for the visitors.

The Samp coach said: "In the first few minutes we were very tense and felt the pain of the 5-0 to Milan, but once we took the lead that all melted away. This victory is important for the three points, to boost our confidence and to be in a secure position. We are on track with the general predictions for this season."