Preview: Sampdoria v Catania (Sunday)

Sampdoria v Catania
Sunday 17th January 2010
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa

Sampdoria (12th)
After a blistering start to the season, it is clear to even the most biased of Sampdoria supporter that they are struggling. Samp have not won for nearly two months, goals have dried up, and the defence looks increasingly vulnerable.

Defensive uncertainty will be exacerbated by the losses of goalkeeper Luca Castelazzi to injury and defender Stankevicius on loan to Sevilla. Castelazzi in particular was in fine form and will be missed in the coming six weeks. Promising young keeper Fiorillo came in for Castelazzi in Naples, but showed his inexperience and was arguably at fault for Napolis winner. Mario Cassano (no relation) has come in on loan from Reggina to cover for Castelazzi’s injury, and is expected to start.

In attack Sampdoria are dependant on the fantasy of Antonio Cassano. If he is marked out of the game Samp have little in the way of plan B. They have moved to strengthen midfield with the loan of Roma’s Sardinian winger Stefano Guberti, but Samp look like a team that still need investment.

With the transfer window open there is the usual rash of rumours regarding the future of Samps most saleable assets, Cassano and Pazzini. Manager Del Neri will be hoping this does not unsettle his key men, as without them Sampdoria are a very ordinary side.

Home form has remained solid though and Samp are unbeaten at the Marassi.

Catania (18th)
One look at the league table tells you all you need to know about Catania this season. Three wins all season and only one away from home. The Sicilians have achieved a mini renaissance lately having won two of their last three league games, one of which was an amusingly improbable win at Juventus. However, Catania quickly regressed to defeat last weekend, in the Ferraris against Genoa.

A surprise Coppa Italia win against Genoa in midweek means the Elefanti will be playing at the Ferraris for an incredible third time in seven days, but these midweek exertions may take their toll against a fresher Sampdoria side.

Opposition danger man
Jorge Andres Martinez. The highly rated Uruguayan striker has 6 of Catania’s 17 league goals this season.

Head to head
Sampdoria have an excellent record in this fixture having won 4 of the last 4 league meetings with Catania in Genoa. Last seasons result was an emphatic 3-0 victory thanks to a second half Cassano brace.

Prediction
Sampdoria may be in freefall but this is a kind fixture for them, and they will be targeting a morale boosting victory.

Catania shocked Juve in the Olimpico recently, so its not beyond their capabilities to produce an unlikely victory here. But home advantage, fitness and head to heads favour the blucerchiati and they should win.

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