Genoa vs Sampdoria preview - Samp haunted by relegation

Posted Sunday, May 08, 2011 by PA

Relegation-threatened Sampdoria will approach their final three games of the season with some trepidation as they try to preserve their Serie A status.

The Blucerchiati are just one place and one point clear of the drop zone ahead of tomorrow's city derby at Genoa.

Samp have won just one of their last 11 games and face a difficult climax to the season with Palermo and Roma to follow after this weekend's encounter at the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

However, Sampdoria boss Alberto Cavasin has drawn some hope from their encouraging 3-3 draw with Brescia last weekend.

"It was a vital result for us," said Cavasin, whose side trailed three times before grabbing a stoppage-time equaliser.

"We held on to the last position of safety.

"We came out of the game reinforced by the spirit shown by my players, by the team's performances and the chances we created.

"The team fought until the last second and we will continue to do so until the end."

Cavasin will be looking for more of the same this weekend from his troops knowing that his side could find itself in the bottom three by Sunday evening if they lose and results elsewhere go against them.

Genoa, meanwhile, go into the match in 10th position and with nothing to play for except pride.

Davide Ballardini's side is out of the race for European football next season.

Last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Napoli, which followed a 4-2 triumph over Lecce, left the Grifoni nine points behind Roma, who hold the last European qualifying spot.

Genoa have won four of their last five home league games and will be bolstered by the return of trio Omar Milanetto, Dario Dainelli and Rodrigo Palacio from suspension.

The last time both sides met earlier this year, it was Genoa who emerged triumphant with Rafinha scoring the only goal in that game.