If someone told you few years ago that the clash between Sampdoria and Roma would be considered a pick of the round in Italian Serie A, you would probably think he is mad, but the reality is that Blucerchiati have climbed to third in the standings and their more illustrious opponents are considered one of the main candidates for the trophy.

Sampdoria still unbeaten

Sampdoria remain regarded as one of Italy’s most famous clubs, but they were forced to endure some tough times over the last decade or so. The Bluecerchiati finally returned to the elite division in the summer of 2012 and they have never looked back. Two mid table finishes in the league gave players reason for optimism ahead of the start of the new campaign, but nobody could predict such an impressive run in the 2014/2015 Serie A season. Sampdoria recorded four wins and three draws in the opening seven fixtures to climb to third in the league standings and they are now the only unbeaten side in the league alongside leaders and reigning champions Juventus. However, it has to be noted that an easy fixture list definitely played a part in the excellent run of results, given that Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side only faced teams sitting in 10th place or lower. This is why the Bluecerchiati cannot really threaten Roma in spite of their recent results, as this will clearly be a whole different ball game. The hosts obviously have a number of talented footballer who could case problems to the Giallorossi, but the obvious lack of experience is likely to prove a major issue.

Sergio Romero is set to deputize for first-choice keeper Emiliano Viviano, whilst Fabrizio Cacciatore is banned and Nenad Krsticic, Michele Fornasier and Alessandro De Vitis are out injured.

Heavy defeat to Bayern not the end of the world

This game comes at a bad time for Roma, with Rudi Garcia’s charges having just suffered an embarrassing 7-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but it is highly unlikely one bad day will ruin the whole season for the Giallorossi. With so many experienced players in the squad and the dressing room atmosphere very good, everything suggests Roma will have no problems recovering from such a difficult night and that is likely to give them additional motivation ahead of the Sampdoria game. The Giallorossi have so far been absolutely brilliant in Serie A and were very unfortunate to lose to title rivals Juventus, but they recorded comfortable wins in remaining six fixtures. This is enough to suggest that Roma have got to be considered favourites to beat in-form Sampdoria, especially since the Bluecerchiati cannot be trusted to continue the rich vein of form for much longer. The visitors do have several important missings, but the huge strength in depth means they will not be weakened at Marassi.

Kostas Manolas is suspended, while Kevin Strootman, Douglas Maicon, Marco Borriello, Federico Balzaretti, Leandro Castan and Seydou Keita are injured.

Verdict

Sampdoria may be unbeaten in seven matches, but seeing as how this will be their first game against a top 9 side, it won’t be easy for the hosts to extend the impressive run. Meanwhile, Roma players will be determined to make amends for the Bayern loss and they clearly have enough quality and experience to return to winning ways.

Top pick: Away win   2.05 (21/20) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 1: Roma to score two or more   2.15 (23/20) @ Coral

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals   2.20 (6/5) @ SkyBet