Serie A - Genoa v Sampdoria

On Saturday, the weekend's big match in Italy is played between Genoa and Sampdoria in the game called Derby della Lanterna.

Sampdoria struggled last year on three different fronts, they went to the last 16 in the Euro League and played final against Lazio in the Coppa Italia, while it had a mediocre Serie A season. Genoa, for its part had only league to take into account and it was very close to the final Champions League spot. This year roles are reversed, the European League has taken much power from Genoa, they have a large squad, but has the whole season been very hurt by injurys. They have gone from having one of the series' best defense that so far have let in the most goals in the entire series. 24 conceded in 13 matches. A contributing factor to this is that centreback Ferrari went to Besiktas, dm Thiago Motta to Inter and that the anchorman Ivan Juric has been injured a lot. Neither goalkeeper Amelia has been as good as Rubinho was in last year.

Sampdoria, on their side are on course for their best season since the 90s. Coach Del Neri has really put this team together and they have several players who are attracting interest from much bigger clubs. Mainly Cassano, Pazzini, Palombo, Mannini and young sensation Poli.

Sampdoria come to this match free from injuries, Genoa, however will miss Sokratis, Kharja, Jankovic and Juric, also is Mesto suspended. One of Coach Gasperinis absolute favorite players.

Genoa will have the favor of playing at home, and is the more popular team in Genoa, but at the moment I see the Blucerchiati as the slightly better team and far more solid than the home team.

Probable starting XI

Genoa: Amelia; Biava, Moretti, Bocchetti; Modesto, Zapater, Milanetto, Criscito; Palacio, Crespo, Palladino

Sampdoria: Castellazzi; Stankevicius, Gastaldello, Rossi, Ziegler; Padalino, Palombo, Poli, Mannini; Cassano, Pazzini

Pick : 2
Odds : 1.88
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365
Match Result : 3-0
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