Samp still in the mix for Europe

Sampdoria continue to romp home in the second half of the season, with a deserved 2-1 away win in Chievo on the weekend. After only gaining 1 point in their previous two encounters (Bari and Cagliari), the Doriani were keen to get back on the winning sheet and avoid any thoughts of the slide which threatened to obliterate them mid-season.

Away to the club which established current Samp coach Luigi Del Neri’s reputation, any doubts were slashed in the first minute as Samp started with a tap-in goal to Antonio Cassano in the first minute. Chievo tried to react and it took some fine goalkeeping by on-loan ‘keeper Marco Storari to keep Samp in the lead at half-time.

Ten minutes into the second term and Samp doubled their lead through Giampaolo Pazzini on the second try after his first shot was blocked by the Chievo goalkeeper Sorentino. Pazzini collected the rebound from the save and deposited it in the net to take his personal tally for the season to 14 goals.

Whilst Chievo managed a goal to mid-fielder Mantovani ten minutes from the end, their tenacious efforts – even sending the goalkeeper forward for a free kick at the death – were in vain and Sampdoria returned to Genova with all 3 points.

Other results all conspired to put Samp back in the race for precious European spot, Palermo’s loss in Catania, Juventus really breaking down in Udine and Napoli, Genoa and Fiorentina all sharing points with lesser rated teams meant the Blucerchiati head into this Sunday’s crucial Derby della Lanterna in equal 4th spot.

On the horizon there is the definite possibilty of a lead change in Serie A this weekend. Roma will know on Saturday night if they have the change to usurp Inter as Mourinho’s men play away to Fiorentina in the late game, while the result of the Saturday evening match between Napoli and Parma will be closely watched by both Sampdoria and Palermo. On Sunday, Cagliari have the opportunity to inflict further misery on Juventus, and Doria fans will be hoping that Chievo can cause some mischief in Sicily before all attention turns to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in the evening for what promises to be a truly incendiary encounter.

Doc