Del Neri to sign two-year deal with Samp

It seems that Sampdoria manager Luigi Del Neri and General Director Giuseppe Marotta have been having a few chats since the derby win and are close to agreeing to a two-year deal.  It would be a strong indication that Del Neri is happy at Samp as he is well known for only signing one year at a time.  Local Genova press ‘Il Secolo XIX’ reports that the initiative came from the club, showing their support for the coach who this year has guided the team back from 13th to 4th place, and now, one month out from the end of the season, stands a good chance of competing in Europe next year.

The run in over the next fortnight is tough for for the Blucerchiati, as they face the red side of Milan on Sunday in Genova and then travel to Rome the following weekend to take on the table-topping Giallorossi.  However, nothing could be a firmer test of their European credentials, so the motivation to take something out of both games will have the team and their supporters sizzling. Unfortunately, due to the violence prior to last weekend’s Derby, Samp supporters will be unable to follow their team to to the capital, meaning the quest to take all three points against Milan this Sunday takes on an added resonance.

In team news, sparkling young mid-fielder Andrea Poli is doubtful after hurting his ankle at training on Wednesday, while Daniele Gastaldello’s 1-match suspension means a competition for a central defender spot between Pietro Accardi and Marco Rossi.  The word is it will be Rossi as he is considered to be stronger in the air.  Rossi, the attacking pair of Pazzini and Cassano, and winger Marco Padalino are all one card away from suspension, and Cassano, who has recovered well from the cynical treatment he received at the hands of Genoa on Sunday,  will want to be especially careful as he hates to miss the matches against his old team.

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