Samp boss fears Spurs clash

Sampdoria manager Mimmo Di Carlo admits he fears facing Tottenham in the Champions League qualifying round.

Spurs will learn on August 6 who they face in a two-leg play-off round to reach the Champions League group stages.

Sampdoria finished fourth last season in Serie A and could be on course to face Harry Redknapp’s side, who are entering Europe’s premier competition for the first time.

But Di Carlo said: “There is only one team that I would like to avoid – ­Tottenham.

“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.”