Sampdoria vs Sassuolo: Preview and Prediction

Sampdoria vs Sassuolo
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 20 November 2016
Kick-Off: 11:30 UK,
Venue: Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Genoa).

Sampdoria will hope to overturn a bad record against Sassuolo as they clash with the struggling Neroverdi in Sunday’s first fixture.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s men are in a major rut. The plucky Neroverdi, who surprised all by clinching sixth spot last season are struggling to deal with both Europa League and Serie A commitments. And who can blame them? Injuries have not been kind to Sassuolo, with key man Domenico Berardi being out on the sidelines since the start of this campaign. They come into this match on a three-match losing streak, including back-to-back defeats against both Rome-based sides.

Furthermore, they have picked up just four points on the road. That’s four out of a potential 18, and they can’t keep from shipping goals – with an average of at least two per match. In the Europa League, things have gone awry as well and they will need to turn things around quickly – especially domestically – if they want to avoid a return back to Serie B.

With Berardi and Simone Missiroli both out, Di Francesco’s task has gotten much more difficult. Meanwhile, Sampdoria have been slowly improving and have been inching away from the drop zone. Marco Giampaolo’s side have had their own struggles this term and will want to take advantage of Sassuolo’s woes to continue rebuilding. Furthermore, the fact that the Neroverdi have frustrated them time and time again will be an added incentive to finally get one over on them and start moving close towards mid-table and as far away from the relegation zone as possible.

Sampdoria vs Sassuolo: Head-to-head statistics

• Sampdoria have only beaten Sassuolo once since the Neroverdi were promoted to Serie A in 2013.
• The other five meetings resulted in two draws and three defeats.
• Sassuolo’s record is W2-D5-L13 in their past 20 away games against teams ranked higher than them in the table.
• Sampdoria have a record of W11-D8-L1 in their last 20 home games versus sides ranked below them in the table.
• Sassuolo have conceded at least two goals in their past 3 games.
• The Blucheriati have scored in their past seven matches and have lost just one out of their last six Serie A games.

Sampdoria vs Sassuolo: Prediction

Both Sassuolo and Sampdoria have had their difficulties this term. The Blucheriati, however, have picked up confidence-boosting wins against cross-town rivals Genoa and Inter. And the fact that they have scored in their past seven games will be an added boost. Meanwhile, Sassuolo have lost their past three matches and are missing a crop of players. Expect Sampdoria to get the job done here, pick up a much needed win and continue their slow climb up the table.