Genoa coach Gilardino acknowledges Sampdoria Coppa defeat as a career challenge

Gilardino acknowledged the team's recent struggles, stating: "It's unfortunate, but we need to face reality. We were competitive throughout most of the game, but we're making it too easy for our opponents to score. This is a challenging moment for us, possibly the toughest since I took on this role. It's crucial that we stay level-headed and evaluate the situation objectively."

"Important players have left, others have arrived who must fit in as best as possible. In this type of match, the categories are reset. We took the lead playing our game, we were a bit frenetic at times. We have to be good, me first, at transmitting positive energy. Because now Juventus is coming.

"With Verona and then with Venezia, it happened when we went behind that we lost something, today it happened after we went ahead. That 1% that we lose would allow us to do better in duels, be fierce and win. It's a step of maturity that this team must take. But there are many players who can make the difference."