Sampdoria coach Dejan Stankovic was pleased with their 1-1 draw at Thiago Motta's Bologna.
It marked Stankovic's debut as Serie A coach.
“Thiago was my companion in a thousand battles. We were happy together at Inter and I have great respect for him. I wish him all the best," Stankovic told Sky Sport Italia.
“I told the lads at half-time, OK we conceded the goal we expected to concede, now we start to attack more, be more determined and grittier. It was a good second half, they reacted really well to the change of system, which is my way of viewing football, and I see the light at the end of this tunnel.
“I will try to be close to these lads, to share anything with them. I am not able to be calm on the touchline, as I want to participate and rejoice with my players. We can improve physically, it's a long week ahead when we can get to work in training."
Stankovic's joins afte three consecutive titles with Red Star Belgrade.
“I feel privileged to work in Serie A, truly privileged and fortunate. In football, as in life, you need objectives. If at Red Star it was the title, here saving ourselves with these lads will be even better.
“I came here because Sampdoria are an important club."
