Serie A Preview: Sampdoria - Chievo

The hosts will try to get back on track, but the Flying Donkeys haven't been flying low...

Nov 20, 2009 8:45:00 AM

More On :  Chievo, Sampdoria
Giampaolo Pazzini - Sampdoria (Getty Images)
Kick-off: Sunday, November 22, 2009. 15:00 CET. Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genoa.

Sampdoria Slipping Up

After their brilliant start to the season, Sampdoria have won just one of their last six matches in Serie A and have slipped down the table from second to fourth, allowing Milan, Juventus and Fiorentina to catch them.
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The recent matches against Bari and Cagliari have highlighted numerous problems, as the side failed to score in either match and looked more than a little lacklustre. It seems much of the talk has been more focused on Antonio Cassano’s constant exclusion from the Italy squad than the actual performances of the team.

Players like midfield hardmen Angelo Palombo and Andrea Poli must get their team-mates to put in the hard work and persistence required to emerge from this slump.

Coach Luigi Del Neri will try to find a way to refocus his team and will have the perfect opportunity to do so against Chievo Verona. However, the visitors are not simply relegation fodder.

Chievo Playing It Safe

Chievo will be pleased with their start to the 2009-10 campaign, as they sit comfortably in midtable with 15 points, the same amount as Roma and Udinese, a full six points above the relegation zone.

But the Flying Donkeys were outplayed by Parma in their last match at the Tardini and will hope to avoid a similar situation in the Marassi against Sampdoria. Both Chievo’s offence and defence have been average thus far, scoring and conceding 14 goals apiece.

Interestingly, their away form has been superior to their home form, so one could make a case for them against Sampdoria. On their travels they have three wins, a draw and two losses. However, they have only managed one win at the Stadio Bentegodi.

With the home side in poor form, coach Domenico Di Carlo will be hopeful of taking advantage and picking up at least a point.

FORM GUIDE

Sampdoria

November 8 v Cagliari (A) – LOST 2-0 (Serie A)

November 1 v Bari (H) – DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

October 28 v Juventus (A) – LOST 5-1 (Serie A)

October 24 v Bologna (H) - WON 4-1 (Serie A)

October 18 v Lazio (A) - DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

Chievo

November 8 v Parma (A) – LOST 2-0 (Serie A)

November 1 v Udinese (H) – DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

October 28 v Catania (A) – WON 2-1 (Serie A)

October 25 v Milan (H) – LOST 2-1 (Serie A)

October 18 v Bari (H) – LOST 2-1 (Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Sampdoria

Marius Stankevicius is suspended following his red card against Cagliari two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Franco Semioli and Marco Padalino remain sidelined with knocks. Despite the recent stutter in results, little should change in the formation of Del Neri.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Castellazzi; Cacciatore, Gastaldello, Rossi, Accardi; Mannini, Palombo, Poli, Ziegler; Pazzini, Cassano.

Chievo

The visitors have a whole host of absences to deal with, starting with the injured Marco Rigoni and Fabio Moro but, more importantly, regular first-team members including defender Nicolas Frey and striker Erjon Bogdani. Therefore, youngster Pablo Granoche should get the nod up front alongside Pellissier, with Giampiero Pinzi in support.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Sorrentino; Sardo, Mandelli, Yepes, Mantovani; Luciano, Iori, Marcolini; Pinzi; Granoche, Pellissier.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sampdoria

The goal-scoring form of Giampaolo Pazzini has seen him re-enter the  the national team picture and he will be hopeful of adding to the seven goals he has scored already in 2009-10 in front of the home fans.

Chievo

The Pazzini and Cassano tandem will certainly be lively, so veteran Mario Yepes will have to be at the top of his game if he is to shackle the duo. The veteran centre-back has been an unsung hero in Serie A since joining the Flying Donkey’s in 2008, bringing vital international and club experience to the backline.

PREDICTION

The Blucerchiati should be able to get back on track with home advantage, but Chievo won’t make it easy for them.

Sampdoria 2-1 Chievo

Adam Scime, Goal.com
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