This weekend’s matches to watch are,

Genoa vs Sampdoria (4th place vs derby pride) ,

Inter vs Lazio (scudetto run),

Cagliari vs Palermo (a battle for Europe)

(home team listed on the right for 2nd leg)

Will Sampdoria be spoilers in the Derby della Laterna?

In 78 meetings Sampdoria has gained the upperhand with Genoa winning only 17 times. Latest odds have however tipped the hottest match of the week to go to Genoa CFC. Genoa won 1-0 in their first meeting of the season, but I wouldn’t bet against Sampdoria getting their revenge against their derby opponents, who also happen to be battling Fiorentina for that forth Champions League spot.

The Rossoblu currently sit fourth, but are just two points ahead of Fiorentina as they dream of a first ever appearance in the Champions League. Coming off of back to back defeats to Bologna and Lazio, Genoa will be looking to regain their prior form which enabled them to win 4 straight, including a memorable victory against the Old Lady (Juventus). In that match Brazilian midfielder Thiago Motta netted two crucial goals against Gigi Buffon.

Both sides should be fully fit for this match with Sampdoria hitmen Cassano and Pazzini in top form and Genoa ace Diego Milito and back in the drivers seat with his returned from injury.

“I am happy to prove I can score even without Cassano”
– Giampaolo Pazzini SOURCE: Irish Examiner

Special K prediction: over 2.5 goals

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