Milan (AFP) – Claudio Ranieri got his first win as Sampdoria coach on Monday after a last-gasp Gianluca Caprari header sealed a 1-0 victory over fellow Serie A strugglers SPAL.
Manolo Gabbiadini had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, but substitute Caprari finally connected with a Fabio Depaoli cross in the 91st minute to score his first goal this season and snatch the three points.
“One swallow does not make a spring,” said Ranieri, who took over the club last month and had draen two and lost one in his first three games.
“It’s a win that re-ignites our season, but I won’t be euphoric until we’re out of the red zone,” continued the 67-year-old, whose side move off the bottom of the Serie A table but remain in the relegation zone.
Ranieri, who memorably guided outsiders Leicester City to the 2016 English Premier League title, replaced Eusebio di Francesco, who was sacked after a poor start to the season.
Sampdoria, who finished ninth last season, achieved their first away win this season with their only other victory coming at home against Torino in September.
SPAL drop to bottom of the table after their eighth loss in 11 games.
