Serie A | Sampdoria 2-1 Spezia: Candreva show for Samp
Antonio Candreva was the star of the show in the first half, scoring the second goal of the game when Sampdoria picked up a 2-1 win against Spezia on Friday night.
The two teams were only separated by one point ahead of the local derby in Liguria, as both Roberto D’Aversa and Roberto De Zerbi are fearing the sack in the initial phase of the campaign.
The Aquilotti struggled to get going at Marassi, when Candreva took the leading role for the home side.
When Spezia started to grow into the match, the Blucerchiati responded with a goal after 15 minutes.
Candreva curled a free kick towards goal and an unlucky Emmanuel Gyasi sent it towards his own net, beating Ivan Provedel in the far corner.
Robero D’Aversa was in the stands due to his suspension and Radu Dragusin started the match for the Blucerchiati.
The Dorians doubled the lead after 36 minutes, when Candreva found the back of the net with a neat finish from the left.
The home side continued to manage the possession in the first half, while Spezia attempted to hit back in waves.
Sampdoria took a 2-0 lead to the break in the physical and intense derby, much thanks to a great first half from former Inter forward Candreva.
Spezia stepped up their game in the second half and pushed to reply and reduce the deficit, while Sampdoria had an effort in the upright.
The guests finished the match with 16 attempts and the tension on the pitch was high during the last 45 minutes, as Sampdoria were mostly protecting their lead against Motta’s men.
Spezia’s goal came far too late, as substitute Daniele Verde scored the 2-1 goal four minutes into stoppages and the Blucerchiati did well to finish the job in the Liguria derby on Friday night.
After a nervous second half, Sampdoria climb to 12th in the standings with nine points from nine games, securing their second win of the season, while Spezia sit one point above relegation and will hope to see Cagliari suffer a defeat against Fiorentina in Florence.
Sampdoria 2-1 Spezia
Gyasi og 14 (Sa), Candreva 36 (Sa), Verde 90+4 (Sp)