Sampdoria – Monza

Sampdoria break their losing streak against Monza

Sampdoria have lost three consecutive rounds by the same score of 1-2. But the aftertaste of these results is very different. The loss to Milan, for all the negativity, can be credited. The Genoese looked excellent against the current Scudetto holders. Yes, thanks in part to a sending off for the rossoneri, but the team looked good even before that. The loss to La Spezia, though partly undeserved, puts Marco Giampaolo's coaching job in doubt. In the match against Lugurian, Sampdoria definitely deserved a draw, but it is meetings like this that expose the problems of this team. The Genoese do not convert many of their chances. The team, tellingly, has the biggest points shortfall in the league (4.06 on xPTS). Rumours have been swirling of late that the club has attracted the interest of the Sheiks. The arrival of big money is certainly a good thing, but one would have to think about the fact that a new project needs a solid foundation. In the meantime, Sampdoria remain one of only two teams to have failed to win the league title. Monza have won their first league title since the resignation of their coach. Interestingly, it came against Juventus. But this is an unusual and unremarkable occasion. "The Biancorossi were lucky with the calendar, because they came at the Turin side at what seems to be the peak of their crisis. It's also worth noting that the Turin side were reduced to ten players from the 40th minute, with more than a dozen players missing the game for one reason or another. Yes, the euphoria of Monza's first win won't go away for long. And the result seems to suggest Stroppa's dismissal was correct, but will the inexperienced Pallidino be able to go the whole season without problems? Sampdoria have managed four games at Luigi Ferraris. In the first round there was a defeat against Atalanta in a completely even game, then there were draws against Juventus and Lazio, and in the last one, the aforementioned game against Milan. Despite a modest two points (although they are the only points for the team so far), the Genoese have always shown excellent football at home. On the other hand, Monza's away record stands at one point on a total goal difference of 1-7. Their performance has been mediocre, and they could be burned out after beating Juventus. Sampdoria could well be celebrating their first league win.