Sampdoria may be bottom of Serie B, but Massimo Donati remains resolutely optimistic ahead of their clash with Pescara on Sunday.

Rooted with just two points after six matches, the Blucerchiati look destined for a second consecutive relegation to Serie C. This time, however, without the lifeline of Brescia being demoted to the third tier in their place due to financial irregularities.

Positives have long been at a premium for Sampdoria, but they have picked up points in their last two outings, at Bari last weekend then at home to Catanzaro on Wednesday night.

The slight upturn in form did little to placate the fans at Marassi, who loudly booed the team off following the draw against the Calabrians.

Donati, however, remained defiant in the face of criticism and insisted his team’s effort cannot be questioned.

“The reaction is simply a product of the league table and the fact that we are Sampdoria and sitting in this position,” the manager said. “The boos aren’t fair, though, when you consider that the team gave absolutely everything. The players left their hearts on the pitch.

“I don’t believe anyone deserved to be booed. We are desperately trying to get this whole situation back on track, and we spend entire days on the field practising and practising again.”

Pescara, meanwhile, travel north in a much buoyant mood after salvaging a point against Sudtirol on Wednesday courtesy of Lorenzo Meazzi’s 95th-minute equaliser.

The 1-1 draw at the Stadio Adriatico left the Dolphins 16th with five points. Over the past 10 campaigns, just three times have all four promoted teams survived the drop back down and Pescara boss Vincenzo Vivarini has urged his team to learn their lessons quickly if they are to avoid a swift return to Serie C.

“The whole team believed we could do it; we fought back with character and desire, but also with real skill,” he said after the draw against Sudtirol.

“We stayed focused and organised, the lads were excellent. We absolutely didn’t deserve to lose. Serie B throws up matches like this. I want to give a huge shout-out to my players; they are giving absolutely everything.

“Moving forward from this game against such a tough opponent, we must learn to be more savvy and tactically intelligent.”

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