Next up for Italian Serie A, Sunday’s Derby della Lanterna. But the real question is… will Genoa C.F.C place the nail in Sampdoria’s coffin? Il Doria sit in 17th place, one point above relegation. The slide into Serie B could well depend on derby results in little over 24 hours time.

Has club president Riccardo Garrone made the mistake of a lifetime? Should he have kissed that beautiful but thorny Cassano butt-cheek? And with one star player out the door wasn’t it obvious a second would leave shortly after in Pazzini? All questions slash obvious answers known to well by Sampdoria fans.

Cast your vote for weekend winner of the Derby della Lanterna and leave your comments on a Doria season all gone wrong. Head-to-head, Sampdoria 18W – 22 Draws – Genoa 14W In recent history Genoa have won 4 of the last 5 contests.

Prediction: Backing the home win, Genoa is in good form up against a quite desperate Sampdoria side. The Grifone can afford to help their neighbours, but you know how it is with football rivalry. Genoa have no major problems ahead of the match and coach Ballardini can pick from a full squad. Look for goals from Floro Flores and Palacio.

Probable Lineups

Genoa (4-4-2): Eduardo, Mesto, Dainelli, Kaladze, Criscito, Rafinha, Kucka, Milanetto, Rossi, Floro Flores, Palacio
Sampdoria (4-4-2): Da Costa, Zauri, Volta, Lucchini, Ziegler, Mannini, Tissone, Palombo, Laczko, Pozzi, Biabiany

Rocky