Genoa vs Sampdoria Match Preview
To think that Sampdoria could be playing in Serie B next year seems unpleasant but realistic as just a point separates the club from Lecce, the unwitting hinge of the relegation trapdoor. Since Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini departed, nothing has gone right for Sampdoria. Their loan signing of Federico Macheda from Manchester United promised to offset the departure of the two players, but he has not managed to find the net once since his arrival. Massimo Maccarone, meanwhile, has netted a grand total of three. Nicola Pozzi seems the most promising forward not because he has been especially prolific but rather because his goals have been timely. He scored last and this weekend to allow Sampdoria's fans not to plunge completely into despair.
Startlingly, Sampdoria were sixth after fifteen rounds of play this season. Remember, too, they came within tantalizing distance to qualify for the Champions League proper this season. Serie B is still not an inevitability by any means, but the derby della lanterna could not come at a worse time.
Though Genoa are safe, they will relish sending their despised rivals down to Serie B. This is one of the biggest Genoa derbies ever.
Prediction: Sampdoria may rally and win 2-1.