Sampdoria vs Roma

Time is beginning to run out for both Sampdoria and AS Roma when they face-off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in week 36 of Serie A. Samp must win if they are to stay alive in the race for a Champions League spot, while Roma need a victory and lots of help from AC Milan if they are to remain alive in the race for the Serie A title

Sampdoria come into week 36 in 6^th place of the league table with 56 points. They sit 2 points back of 5^th place AC Milan and 2 points ahead of 7^th place Udinese. Last week the side managed by Mazzari missed a golden opportunity to really close the gap with 4^th place Fiorentina when they played to a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. That result makes this home match to AS Roma a must win for the blucerchiati. There are a number of injury absences expected this week as Castellazzi, Campagnaro, Kalu and Lucchini have been ruled out because of injury while Maggio is out suspended. Zenoni will start on the right side of midfield.

The giallorossi were winners at home last week with a 4-1 rout over Torino at the Stadio Olimpico. With their win AS Roma were at least able to extend the title chase one more week but at this point it is pretty much out of their hands. Roma are in 2^nd place with 75 points, 6 back of 1^st place Inter Milan and a 5 ahead of 3^rd place Juventus. Their only hope is to win all their remaining matches and to see Inter Milan fail to win any. With their victory over Torino, Roma remain unbeaten over their past 5 games with 3 wins during that stretch. There are once again important injury absences for Nedo Spalletti’s squad as Ferrari, Totti and Taddei are out injured while Juan serves a suspension. Look for Mexes and Panucci to cover at the back while Vucinic starts as the lone striker.

While Sampdoria should have the edge at home this week, Juventus are a very strong side at home. The difference in this match could be that fact that Roma are without Totti as he certainly bring the club another dimension. These clubs are very evenly matched and with the stakes so high it could be hard to find a winner.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)