Sampdoria Aiming To Reclaim Second Place Against Bari

Sampdoria have a chance to return to second spot in the standings today and put the forgettable 5-1 defeat to Juventus in midweek behind them as they welcome fellow surprise package Bari.

Juve's defeat to Napoli on Saturday means that the Blucerchiati will sneak up to second behind Inter with a victory, But veteran Bari coach Giampiero Ventura won't make it easy for Samp ad especially for Antonio Cassano.

'Il Talentino' is certain to have an emotional afternnon as Bari was his hometown club, where he became famous as a player with a spectacular goal against Inter.

However, Sampdoria have other attacking optins at their disposal, such as Giampaolo Pazzini, currently the team's top scorer, and midfielder Daniele Mannini, who is just one goal away from equalling his goalscoring record in a single season with six goals.

'Il Pazzo' is attracting the attention of major clubs as well as Italy coach Marcello Lippi. So far he has scored 24 goals in 32 appearences since joining the Blucerchiati.

Finally, there will also be the return of captain Angelo Palombo, after his absence was strongly felt in midfield in the defeat to Juve.

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com