Sampdoria-Cagliari

By: Jeremy | April 25th, 2009

After watching todays Roma-Fiorentina match, Cagliari has to like its chances to find its way into the UEFA Cup, even if the seventh spot is not going to end up with a European spot. That being said, Cagliari still has to beat Samp on the road to set up vital matches against Palermo and Roma for a spot in Europe. Not an easy task as Samp is still showing some fight as it knocked out Inter to get to the Coppa finals.

With Sampdoria basically in limbo as it is not going to be relegated and is not going to qualify for a european spot, one might think they pack it in for the rest of the season. Pride should prevent that so we face a tough task. Any team with Cassano is capable of beating anyone and we must remember that although they are one of Serie As biggest disappointments this year, they still have a world of talent. They want to win for the home fans.

Cagliari comes in healthy and looking strong. Last weeks solid win over Napoli was the first of two steps needed to get back into the UEFA Cup fight after unfortunate losses to Fiorentina and Genoa. If we dont beat Samp, I think our European dream is over. With a full squad minus a suspended Lopez, combined with a tired Samp from their midweek Coppa game, Allegri has to have the boys motivated to win.

Cagliari continues to rely on Marchetti to make dynamic saves and to somehow find a goal to squeak by with a win. This pattern seems to work, but it is scary to watch because Acquafresca has all but disappeared from this team and even Matri is stealing minutes from him. For a guy who wants to be a starting striker at Inter next year, it makes no sense. Jeda still shows an effort and his goal was huge last weekend.

The defense seems to be the bright spot for this team and there is strength and depth to help Marchetti control the back and the match. Even the veteran Lopezs loss has a minimal effect on the team. The group will need another strong performance to win this game.

Cagliari is consistent in their performances of late so we know what we wil get. The question is which Sampdoria team shows up. Will it be the talented group who took it to Inter or the unmotivated and now tired team that has given away too many matches this year making these last few weeks meaningless.

Winning on the road in Serie A is always tough so this will be a real difficult match. I am avoiding any bets but as a hopeful and biased Cagliari fan who wants to see the games with Palermo and Roma mean something, I think there will be motivation to get the win even if conventional wisdom might suggest a draw at best.

Prediction

Sampdoria 1-2 Cagliari