Sampdoria ended their three-match losing streak as they defeated Serie A leaders Juventus in Turin and now hope to claim another major scalp. The Rossoneri further improved their league position by seeing off Siena at home, and this will feel as a good opportunity to record their fourth away victory of the season.

Selection headache for Ferrara

Sampdoria, one of Italy’s most famous clubs, quickly returned to the elite division after suffering relegation to Serie B, but they are now heavily involved in the difficult relegation tussle. With a number of very talented players in the side, Doria have recorded several impressive results this season, especially on the road, but the lack of consistency and real balance in the squad is proving to be a major issue. While Sampdoria have got to be congratulated for defeating mighty Juventus in Turin, we need to point out that they were very fortunate to do so and that Antonio Conte had fielded an under-strength line-up. Considering that Doria lost three straight matches prior to the trip to Turin and that they were beaten by Udinese and Lazio in last two home fixtures, there is every chance the hosts will not be able to repeat the result from Juventus Arena. On top of that, Ciro Ferrara’s small squad will struggle to compensate for the absence of three very important players.

First team regulars Gaetano Berardi, Maxi Lopez and Enzo Maresca all miss out, just like back-up striker Nicola Pozzi.

Milan back to their best

With no less than six first team regulars and several back-up players leaving the club at the end of last season, Max Allegri was always going to have his work cut out for him, while numerous selection problems certainly did not help. However, when we take all these things into account, we can safely say the talented manager has done a tremendous job at San Siro, not only to keep the results respectable but also to make sure team’s form keep improving. While Milan never experienced problems in midfield or attack this season, their back line has suffered from numerous changes caused by the absence of key defenders. That was one of the reasons why the Rossoneri have been conceding more goals than expected, but with Philippe Mexes and Cristian Zapata both back to the side, the back four should look much better against Sampdoria. Having won two of last three league fixtures on the road and having shown a considerable improvement of late, the Rossoneri look a good bet to see off out-of-form Sampdoria at Marassi.

Giampaolo Pazzini misses out through suspension, while Kevin Constant and Massimo Ambrosini are injury doubts. Vila, De Jong, Mesbah, Yepes, Bonera and Muntari are all unavailable.

Verdict

Leaving their fortunate victory over Juventus aside, Sampdoria have largely struggled against top Serie A sides this season, with no less than five sides already winning at Marassi this season. I, therefore, have reason to believe in-form Milan can also triumph in Genoa and thus edge closer to the European places.

Top pick: Away win   2.15 (23/20) William Hill

Alternative pick 1: Milan to score two or more   2.20 (6/5) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals   2.00 (1/1) @ Coral

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