Ranieri rues missed opportunities

Ranieri rues missed opportunities

Published Apr. 26, 2010 10:47 p.m. ET

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri rued his team's missed chances against Sampdoria as they fell to their first Serie A defeat since October.

A second-half brace from Italy striker Giampaolo Pazzini handed Samp a 2-1 win at the Stadio Olimpico to prevent Roma from climbing back to the top of the standings.

They are now two points behind defending champions Inter Milan with three games remaining.

"We are disappointed because we played a beautiful first half and we didn't make the most of our chances," said Ranieri.

"Perhaps we could have controlled the game better after the break.

"But as I told my players in the changing room, a draw or a defeat makes little difference."

Roma had taken the lead in the 15th minute through Francesco Totti but Pazzini equalised early in the second half.

With Roma looking for the winner, Pazzini struck on a fast counter-attack with five minutes remaining.

Ranieri added: "Now our future is no longer in our hands and we must try to win our remaining games and hope that Inter don't.

"But Inter are an armada."

Inter won 3-1 against Atalanta on Saturday and travel to the Stadio Olimpico to face Roma's city rivals Lazio next, while Ranieri takes on his former team Parma on Sunday.

Samp, meanwhile, leapfrogged Palermo into fourth place and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

"Our dream of playing in the Champions League continues," said Samp hero Pazzini.

"We didn't play well in the first half and we let Roma take the initiative.

"But we were a different side after the re-start and I have to compliment all my teammates because we played a great game.

"We deserved this victory and if you want to get to the Champions League, you have to go out and win games like this one.

"We achieved this, playing well against all the teams.

"To play in the Champions League would be fantastic."

Pazzini, who has increased his tally to 17 goals, also hopes to make Marcello Lippi's World Cup squad.

"South Africa is closer and I hope to be there," he said.

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