Sampdoria vs Bologna preview - Di Carlo gets backing of Samp board

Posted Sunday, February 13, 2011 by PA

Sampdoria coach Domenico Di Carlo has been given a vote of confidence ahead of Sunday's game against Bologna.

Samp, who have mustered just one win in their last eight league games, lie 14th in Serie A, just five points clear of the relegation zone.

Saturday's 2-0 loss at Udinese was Samp's fourth straight defeat in all competitions but Samp president Riccardo Garrone is nevertheless hopeful his struggling side can turn their dismal season around.

He said: "We have full confidence in Di Carlo.

"He may be criticised by others and they have a right to their own opinion but we are backing our coach and our staff in order for them to give their best.

"We have a good side and the players that joined us in the winter transfer market are gradually adapting to the team.

"I am confident we will soon have a change of fortunes."

Samp's main problem has been a lack of goals, with Di Carlo's men having failed to find the back of the net in their last five league games.

The Blucerchiati fans are desperate for strikers Massimo Maccarone and Jonathan Biabiany to open their goal accounts with Samp. The duo will lead the attack against Bologna having joined the club last month.

Bologna, meanwhile, have suffered a blow ahead of the match in Genoa with news the that Sweden midfielder Albin Ekdal will be sidelined for a month.

Ekdal got hurt during last weekend's 1-0 triumph over Catania and tests have revealed a left thigh injury.

To complicate matters for Bologna coach Alberto Malesani, his team will also be without suspended Miguel Angel Britos and Francesco Della Rocca this weekend.

Bologna lie 12th in the standings, two points clear of Sunday's rivals.

The Rossoblu have lost just once on their last five games on the road.