Pre-match comments from Sampdoria's Antonio Cassano only served to fire up their opponents in Sunday's Genoa derby, according to Genoa coach Piero Gasperini. "Cassano undoubtedly fired us up even more," Gasperini said after the match. "I know he likes to enjoy himself with these comments.
I didn't take offence, but in general we should try to keep these derbies calm and not stoke controversy."
Diego Milito's 50th minute strike lead Genoa to their first derby victory in seven years.