Sampdoria face a really difficult task in their attempt to end the two-match losing run with in-form Lazio arriving at Marassi. The Biancocelesti climbed to the top 3 with a narrow win over Inter Milan and will now give their best to remain there until the end of the league campaign.
Lack of experience
Sampdoria did well to return to the top flight after spending just one season in Serie B, but I am not convinced the club officials have done enough to prepare the squad for what awaited them in the elite division. While the squad are filled with young and talented players like Nenad Krsticic, Jonathan Rossini, Pedro Obiang and Mauro Icardi, they clearly lack the experience to be able to match the best sides in the league. It is this lack of experience that could end up costing Doria dearly and I certainly expect the Marassi outfit to enter the difficult relegation tussle this term. Back to back defeats to Udinese and Catania prove the team are far from the desired form, with top scorer Maxi Lopez being sorely missed at the moment. Considering the circumstances, you will forgive me for not believing Sampdoria have what it takes to stop high-flying Lazio in their tracks.
Maxi Lopez and Fernando Tissone miss out through injury and suspension respectively, but all other players are in contention.
Can Lazio join the title race?
While all other top 3 contenders were buying and selling players throughout the summer, Lazio officials opted to keep the entire squad together, and only brought the likes of Ciani and Ederson. They did replace coach Edy Reja with Vladimir Petkovic, who immediately showed why he was given such a high-profile job. As a result, Lazio enjoyed a bright start to the season, impressing on all three fronts, and this is turning out to be quite a successful season for them. The Biancocelesti appear to be on top of their game at the moment, having won last four home games, while holding Juventus and Bologna to goalless draws on the road, so no doubt they go into the Sampdoria game high on confidence. Having already won three away games in Serie A this term, Lazio look a good bet to make it four at Marassi.
Important midfielder Antonio Candreva may be suspended, but all other members of the starting line-up are available. Ederson is doubtful through injury, while Tommaso Rocchi is definitely out.
Sampdoria have been far from impressive of late and with Maxi Lopez and Tissone missing, they will struggle to match in-form Lazio. The Biancocelesti arrive at Marassi brimming with confidence and I wouldn’t bet against them winning this game.
Top pick: Lazio Draw no bet 1.67 (2/3) @ Stan James
Alternative pick 1: Away win 2.40 (7/5) @ BetVictor
Alternative pick 2: Under 2.5 goals 1.75 (3/4) @ Betfair