Italian Serie A
2008-04-13 - Reggina vs Sampdoria
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Sampdoria are in with a shot of a Champions League spot as they are four points behind Fiorentina in fourth spot but it will not be an easy trip back for their coach Walter Mazzarri as he will be facing his former club Reggina here and they are at the bottom of the table and cannot afford a defeat if they are to avoid relegation.
Reggina have lost their last two games in a row and their Serie A status is very much depending on the outcome of this match. Reggina’s 2-0 defeat to Fiorentina in their last match means they are two points away from Cagliari, Empoli and Livorno who are on 29 points and three points away from safety, a spot currently occupied by Parma with 30 points.
Reggina’s coach Nevio Orlandi has been given the ultimatum to start winning matches regardless of the fact that he is inexperienced. Despite their 4-0 win over Siena back in Week 28 which was some five matches ago, they have failed to perform then as they managed only two draws and two defeats following that huge surprising win. Reggina knows that if they are to escape relegation then they must make the best use of home advantage as they are winless away from home this season, so their home form is crucial especially against Sampdoria who will be having their own plans of overtaking Milan as well as Fiorentina for that last Champions League spot.
Walter Mazzarri will return for the first time to the Stadio Granillo since leaving Reggina last summer with a chance to get something with Sampdoria. His side are currently unbeaten since the end of February and they are now setting their sights of Champions League football if they can start winning all their matches until the end of the season. As it is now they are in 6th spot and four adrift of Fiorentina who occupies the last Champions League spot.
Sampdoria has won four of their last five games as they come into this match and in their last match they took out Livorno by beating them 2-0. They also took out A.C Milan at the San Siro and are now level on points with Milan in the standings – 52 points. Even though they are high on confidence but if they lose track they could easily drop out of the UEFA Cup as Udinese is hot on their heels as well.
Sampdoria will start this match as favourites though and even though they seldom draw matches away from home, Reggina will be doing their best to get a draw here. Away from home Sampdoria’s form reads as won six, lost nine and drawn just once.
Their last meeting when Sampdoria hosted saw them win 3-0 thanks to a double from Claudio Bellucci who will start this match partnering Antonio Cassano in attack.
For Reggina, they have almost a full squad coming into this match with the exception of Paraguayan midfielder Jose Montiel. Striker Fabio Ceravolo has been training with Italy’s Under-20 squad and is ready to be called into action if needed.
The visitors are missing the likes of injured hitman Vincenzo Montella, Angelo Palombo and defender Pietro Accardi. Goalkeeper Antonio Mirante is also sidelined for this match.
Reggina has to win here if they hope to get out of relegation, however I will go for Sampdoria not to lose this match based on their current form.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Draw Match 1-1 or 2-2
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for this match to end in a draw.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Sampdoria and accept the 1/4 ball here.
