Sampdoria vs Genoa
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Saturday, 22 October 2016
Kick-Off: 17:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Genoa).


The first Derby della Lanterna of the 2016/2017 season will kick off this Saturday, but already cross-town rivals Sampdoria and Genoa have experienced different fortunes so far this season. The Blucerchiati started off decently enough with two back to back wins, but since then it has all gone horribly awry. In fact, they ended up losing four in a row before finally stopping their downward slide with a draw with Palermo. But that still has not alleviated the pressure on under-fire coach Marco Giampaolo – especially after failing to pick up all three points against a 10-man Pescara.

So, with just one win in their past six games, it goes without saying that Sampdoria will be desperate to end their bad streak. A win is always great, but it is even better when it is against a city rival in a derby. However, Genoa will have other ideas. Currently under the tutelage of Croatian tactician Ivan Juric – who guided Crotone to their first ever appearance in the top flight – the Grifone have been pretty solid so far this term. They currently sit in ninth spot, but have a game in hand after their tie with Fiorentina was cancelled due to bad weather.

In addition, Genoa have lost just one game. They are the only side, alongside Juventus, to have suffered defeat just once. However, discipline is a major problem. They have picked up a whopping five red cards in just seven matches, which is a league high to date. And historically, neither side have been able to keep the fouls in check, with over 30 cards distributed in just their past five encounters.

Furthermore, Genoa, too, will be looking desperately for a win, especially considering they have won just one out of their last five fixtures. The Grifone are clearly hoping to make a push for a Europa League spot, but obviously will have to do much better if they wish to fully compete with the likes of AC Milan, Torino, Lazio and a surprisingly impressive Chievo for continental football next term.

Sampdoria vs Genoa Head-to-head statistics

  • As the “home” team, Sampdoria have not won this fixture since 2012.
  • The Blucerchiati have won two, drawn seven, and lost 11 out of their last 20 home fixtures against teams ranked higher than them in the table.
  • The Grifone have won eight, drawn five, and lost seven out of their last 20 away fixtures against teams ranked lower than them in the table.
  • There have been under 2.5 goals in Genoa’s last five Serie A games.
  • This game could be a spicy one. In their last five meetings, there have been over 30 cards dished out.

Sampdoria vs Genoa: Prediction

This will be a close one. First choice shot-stopper Emiliano Viviano is out due to a wrist problem, meaning that Christian Puggioni will be called in to deputize. Meanwhile, Genoa will be missing Serge Gakpe, Lucas Ocampos and Leonardo Pavoletti, which leaves them with a huge hole in attack. Neither side are among the highest scoring in the league. Genoa have netted just twice in their last five games, whilst Sampdoria have not won since the end of August.

The Grifone have conceded just five goals, whilst the Blucheriati have shipped 11. Although both are coming into this game having drawn their last respective fixtures, Genoa appear to be a side on up-and-up, whilst Sampdoria are still struggling to find their footing. A narrow win for Juric’s side is certainly possible.

Sampdoria vs Genoa: Betting tips

Under 2.5 goals at 8/11 (1.73)
Double Chance Genoa to WIN or DRAW at 4/9 (1.44).