Sampdoria coach Claudio Ranieri was satisfied with their 0-0 draw against Roma.

It marked Ranieri's first game in charge.

“The lads worked very well in training, but you can only tell so much in that situation," he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Roma are a good team, they keep possession, but we wanted to push them towards the wings, as they are above all dangerous through the middle. We weren't that interested in possession."

Ranieri celebrates his 68th birthday on Sunday and joked when asked about his surprise pick of Andrea Bertolacci.

“I preferred to be called a wily old fox when I was young, as now it feels a little too close to home! Maybe you think I'm going senile…

“I told Bertolacci to play as long as he could and then I'd bring in Albin Ekdal, who arrived very tired after international duty. I was satisfied with the midfield, combining experience with youth. I had wanted Bertolacci in a more advanced position, closer to Quagliarella, but after a while there were too many gaps and I asked him to remain back there to protect the defence."