“We have worked hard and now we are charged up, full of enthusiasm and with so much hunger to get back to running again,” grinned the Coach.

The pause came at just the right time for the Friulani, who had been in dismal form with one point from their last five Serie A games.

“We had time to stay together and talk a lot so we could understand and face up to the difficulties we are going through at the moment.

“I expect a great performance against Sampdoria and I’m confident, as I saw in the players the right desire to prove themselves.”

Marino is forced into a midfield reshuffle, as both Mauricio Isla and Gokhan Inler are suspended. This means that West Bromwich Albion transfer target Christian Obodo should start.

“They are two important players, but we must not stop and think about that because their replacements will do just as well.”