Sampdoria travel to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara to face Bologna on Sunday afternoon as they look for a turn in fortunes.
The Blucerchiati come into the game having lost seven in their last ten Serie A fixtures. A run which includes just two wins and losses in their last three matches.
This unenviable record is due in part to their inability to retain clean sheets and leaves them lying just outside the relegation places with 23 points. After finishing in 7th last term, it has shown a fall from grace which after a decent start.
The Bolognese on the other hand have enjoyed a good run of form since being promoted last season. Although much of their success has come on the road, they will look to build upon an impressive 2-0 win last time out at Sassuolo’s fortress.
Having the second worst home record in the league, Bologna will see the visit of Sampdoria as the perfect time to seal three points. The firepower of both Mattia Destro and Emanuele Giaccherini will be needed for the home side if they are to continue climbing the table.
These two sides met earlier this season at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris where Sampdoria picked up the three points when now departed Eder sealed a 2-0 victory for the hosts. Last season’s meetings were both draws, the pair sharing the points having played out 2:2 and 1:1 results.
Roberto Donadoni heads into the fixture with no selection headaches as only Emil Krafth is facing a struggle to be fit for selection.
via sporticos.com
Sampdoria head coach Vincenzo Montella will start Miguel Pereira instead of the suspended Mattia Cassani. New Inter Loanee Andrea Ranocchia will likely come in to partner Niklas Moisander in the heart of the defence. Departed Eder’s spot will be up for grabs with Ricardo Alvarez looking to stake a claim and both Lorenzo De Silvestri and Djamel Mesbah face late fitness tests in their race for selection.
Form Guide: Bologna (W-D-L-W-L) Sampdoria (L-L-L-W-W)
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna: Mirante, Rossettini, Oikonomou, Gastaldello, Masina, Donsah, Diawara, Taider, Mounier, Destro, Giaccherini
Sampdoria: Viviano, Pereira, Ranocchia, Moisander, Dodo, Soriano, Fernando, Barreto, Alvarez, Cassano, Correa
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com