Goal. com's Samp - Roma preview
Sampdoria and Roma square off in the first leg of their Italian Cup quarter final this week, with both sides looking to continue their good run of form that has seen them both excel in the New Year thus far.
Can 2008 get better for Sampdoria?
Following two comprehensive victories against Palermo in the league, and Cagliari in the Coppa Italia, and a respectable 0-0 draw away to Juventus last weekend, Sampdoria’s start to the calendar year, couldn’t have been any more promising.
As we all know, the Coppa Italia has lost its prominence, over the past decade or so, however when it comes to the business end of a competition, everyone wants to win.
The Blucerchiati will be seeking revenge for the 2-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of Roma, prior to the Christmas break, in what coincidentally was their last defeat.
However this time round, Mazzari’s men will be spear-headed by former Giallorossi star Antonio Cassano, who will be looking to make a name for himself, against his old club, in front of his new supporters.
Although it’s only quarter-final time of the Coppa Italia tournament, Cassano will be as motivated as ever to seek revenge on the field against the Giallorossi, whilst at the same time, he will be trying to impress his former club, as he has made it publicly clear recently that he still wishes to return to Rome.
All in all, it’s a huge chance for Sampdoria to gain the advantage in the first leg, as Spalletti is expected to name a weakened first eleven for various reasons. A win in the first leg for Samp, should set up an intriguing second leg, in just one week’s time…
Roma looking to improve even more
Having comfortably won their first three matches of the 2008 calendar year, Roma have got off to the best possible start, conceding just one goal in 270 minutes of play.
Having said this however, this week in the Coppa Italia they face arguably their toughest opponents of the year thus far, facing a determined Sampdoria side, who are in search of Italian Cup glory.
Spalletti’s men will be extremely confident going into this match, knowing that just under a month ago, the sides faced off in the league, and that 2-0 victory for Roma, was as easy as they come. On that day, a brace by Francesco Totti was enough for the Romans.
With four victories on the trot in all competitions, the Giallorossi are in fine touch at the moment. And although Spalletti is expected to name a slightly weakened squad for this match, his side will be hoping to make it five in a row.
If Roma can gain the advantage in the first leg this week, then you can pencil them in to face Udinese or Catania in the semi-finals, as there will be no coming back for Sampdoria. However, motivation for this leg is not all that evident from the Roma camp, so who knows what to expect…
FORM GUIDE
Sampdoria
January 20 v Juventus (A) DREW 0-0
January 16 v Cagliari (H) WON 4-0 (Coppa Italia)
January 13 v Palermo (H) WON 3-0
December 22 v Roma (H) LOST 0-2
December 16 v Fiorentina (A) DREW 2-2
Roma
January 20 v Catania (H) WON 2-0
January 16 v Torino (H) WON 4-0 (Coppa Italia)
January 13 v Atalanta (A) WON 2-1
December 22 v Sampdoria (H) WON 2-0
December 19 v Torino (A) LOSS 1-3 (Coppa Italia)
TEAM NEWS
Sampdoria
For Mazzari’s men, Montella and Kalu remain the only injured players, whilst there is a slight doubt over the fitness of Sammarco. Cassano, who missed his side’s 0-0 draw with Juventus last weekend remains optimistic about playing, as he is still recovering from a slight knock, however Roma are the opposition, so my tip is that Cassano is a certain starter.
Roma
Unfortunately for Spalletti’s side, Totti and Perrotta are out with the flu; however both should be okay for the weekend against Palermo. Juan and Andreolli have been joined by Pit on the sidelines, with all three some time away from a return. Barusso is away with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations, whilst Vucinic will once again replace Totti, and man of the match against Catania, Ludovic Giuly, will also retain his spot.
POSSIBLIE STARTING LINE-UPS
Roma (4-2-3-1) Doni; Cicinho, Mexes, Ferrari, Tonetto; De Rossi, Brighi; Esposito, Giuly, Mancini; Vucinic
Sampdoria (3-5-2) Castellazzi; Campagnaro, Gastaldello, Accardi; Maggio, Delvecchio, Palombo, Franceschini, Pieri; Bellucci, Cassano
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sampdoria – Antonio Cassano: Who else but Cassano? This two-legged tie provides Cassano with the chance to do whatever he pleases. Impress his old team, exact revenge or just simply perform well for his side, and assist them in making it to the semi-finals of the tournament. He will be like a man possessed until he grabs a goal against his old side, so expect him to do so this week at home.
Roma – Amantino Mancini: Following all the controversy that has marred the first half of this season, Mancini is edging closer and closer to putting pen to paper, and as a result, is finally showing some signs of old. He is playing as well as ever at the moment, and he will be looking to add to his tally of two goals for 2008 this week against Sampdoria.
PREDICTION
This leg promises to be an interesting one, as it is unclear how serious the sides will go about it. However, with Cassano eager to perform and Sampdoria in good form themselves, the Blucerchiati are looking good to take the early advantage. Having said this though, Roma are a quality side, regardless of who starts, so the match will be quite balanced, and is certainly headed for a draw.
Sampdoria 1-1 Roma
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