Sevilla boss Sampaoli counting on Nasri's talent for European run

Seville - Sevilla coach Jorge Sampaoli believes Manchester City loanee Samir Nasri has the talent to help his side to the latter stages of the Champions League ahead of Tuesday's clash against Lyon.

The Spanish side has won the Europa League for the past three seasons, but has struggled to establish itself among Europe's elite in the Champions League.

However, after a promising 0-0 draw away to Italian champion Juventus, Sampaoli is hoping Nasri and the fortress Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan can push Sevilla toward the last 16 for the first time in six years.

"I am very happy that Samir came here," Sampaoli said on Tuesday after Nasri netted his first Sevilla goal in Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao.

"I think there are very few players in the world with the ability to play like Samir does."

Defeat in the Basque country continued Sevilla's awful run of 22 La Liga games on the road without a win.

However, Sampaoli expects a turnaround back at the Sanchez Pizjuan where the team has won 14 of its last 16 European ties and all three La Liga matches so far this season.

"Playing every three days allows you to get over defeat quickly. There is always another game around the corner," added Sampaoli.

"We need to have more penetration in the final third. We will change the system and some players."

Indeed, Sampaoli is expected to ring the changes as key players Franco Vazquez, Vitolo, Luciano Vietto and Steven N'Zonzi were all left on the bench at the weekend, whilst Sergio Rico will return in goal at the expense of Salvatore Sirigu.