Sampdoria 2 – 1 Chievo Verona

Sampdoria has put the ghosts of their recent slide from the top of the table to rest with a strong home win over a dangerous Chievo outfit who managed to take the game to the wire, despite being reduced to 10 men at the end of the first half.

The Blucerchiati must have been concerned during the break as their form had dropped of markedly. However, it seems that the side has emerged refreshed and showed glimpses of the dazzling play that saw them lead the league during the first month of the campaign.  Goals in each half, first from Marco Rossi and then Giampaolo Pazzini’s 8th of the season (again the ball served on a platter by the mercurial Antonio Cassano) saw Samp go up 2-0 before a late goal from Chievo defender Andrea Mantovani gave the Doriani something to think about for the last ten minutes.

Chievo will feel they came off worst in the refereeing decisions, as a goal to Pelissier was denied on the stroke of half-time due to a non-existent off-side call. The decision certainly penalized the away-side as they had just been reduced to 10 men and drawing level before the break would have improved the atmosphere in the Chievo rooms, and no doubt changed the way both sides approached the second half. However, the sending off of mid-fielder Luciano in the 44th minute for a second bookable offence was warranted, and reflected the fairly rough style of defence Chievo employed, particularly when trying to contain Cassano.

The talismanic number 99 was back to his best in this match, serving notice to Genoa for the upcoming derby, and showing that the outburst of a couple of weeks back has passed under the bridge.  The tifosi for their part were in fine voice, and with each piece of sparkling play the applause and singing grew louder and louder.

Samp’s first goal, credited to Marco Rossi was actually due to a strike from outside the box from young mid-fielder Andrea Poli.  On his second attempt to shoot after a Cassano corner was punched away, the ball glanced off Rossi’s thigh and wrong-footed the Chievo goalie.  A lucky break for Samp and one which certainly  gave them the psychological boost they needed as they had failed to score in the last two games.

By contrast, Pazzini’s goal was beautifully orchestrated, Cassano receiving the ball on the right, passing infield to Padalino who recognised the continuing run of Cassano, passed back to him inside the box, from where he delivered the ball across to Pazzini to tap in.  The attacking partnership was unlucky not to strike again later in the half when Cassano sent in a searing low cross straight onto Pazzini’s head, however Sorrentino in the Chievo goal was able to make a reflex save, and keep the flying donkeys in the match.

His field-players responded well and in the 35th minute finally opened the Chievo account with a corner falling to Mantovani practically on the goal line.  Although the goal was awarded, it did seem that the ball came off his arm before he hurried it home.  The final ten minutes were more tense than they should have been for Samp, but at the final whistle they were rewarded with the three points, putting them alone in 4th place and 4 points above city rivals Genoa ahead of the Derby della Lanterna on Saturday.

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