Sampdoria manager Mimmo Di Carlo admits that he would like to avoid Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League preliminary round.
“There is only one team that I would like to avoid – Tottenham,†said Di Carlo.
“In August the English clubs start out very strong and they would put us under a great deal of pressure in terms of tempo.
“The others, albeit strong, I would take on with optimism. Let us not forget we also have champions and I doubt many sides have strikers like Antonio Cassano, Giampaolo Pazzini, Guido Marilungo and Nicola Pozzi.â€
He added: “The English sides are good, but if we arrive at this appointment on form then we have a hunger that allows us to battle on level terms with anyone.
“This Samp is capable of anything and I think we’ve already proved that. The club is building a solid squad and you can see the long-term planning at work.â€