Sampdoria showed a lot of promise early on in the season and looked like they would spring a surprise on everyone by chasing the ultimate prize in the peninsula, but that soon vanished when they went into a depressing run of three games without a victory.

However, last week’s win against Chievo would have gone some way in restoring the faith that they can step up to the occasion in the heated derby game that awaits them at the Marassi.

Genoa have had a difficult time playing a series of fixtures including those in the Europa League, which has left the squad somewhat fatigued. But the Derby della Lanterna will see both sides rearing to go one up on their immediate rivals, who are fighting for a Champions League spot this season.

Football Italiano