Sampdoria vs Siena

Sampdoria return home to host Siena with a chance to move into the European Cup qualifying zone with a victory. They will be taking on a Siena outfit who while having won just 3 matches all season, have pulled off two of those victories away from home.

The side managed by Mazzari are currently in 7^th place of the Serie A table with 25 points for the year. They are just behind 6^th place Atalanta Bergamo on goal difference. They came up with a very positive result last week as they were able to hold out for a 0-0 draw away to Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. It was Samp’s first draw away from home this season. The gs turned sour later in the week when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg of the Coppa Italia quarter finals by Roma. The injury list for this week’s match consists of Kalu, Montella and Sammarco, while Campagnaro is out suspended. Mazzari looks set to go with the regular 3-5-2 formation featuring Bellucci and Antonio Cassano in attack. Bellucci paces the club with 9 goals.

Siena are 17^th in Serie A with 17 points, just ahead of 18^th place Reggina on goal difference. Given their delicate league position with respect to the relegation zone, every point is crucial from here on in. They are coming off of a 2-3 victory away to Palermo at the Renzo Barbera in their last match. It was a huge victory for Siena as it was the first of two straight road fixtures. Things don’t get any easier this week away to Sampdoria but morale at the club will certainly be much higher following that last match. Manager Beretta received some good news this week as it was confirmed that left side fullback De Ceglie has been cleared to play and will start. Bertotto, Grimi and De Lazzari make up the list of players not available due to injury. Maccarone is the club leader in scoring with 6 goals and is a confirmed starter in attack along with Frick.

On paper Sampdoria would be sure favorites to get the 3 points. However, Siena are coming off of a big victory on the road and are starved for points given their bottom of the table position so nothing will come easy for Samp in this match. In addition, Sampdoria have won just 1 of their last 5 matches and have hardly looked like world beaters. Livorno have more than a fair chance to hold out for a point.

Prediction: draw (1-1)