Lazio may have ended 2010 on a high but they are gradually nose-dipping towards the south in the new year. Having garnered just one point from a possible six in Serie A in 2011, Edy Reja's side are not in a very robust health and things are edgy in Rome.
Last weekend Lazio were shocked 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico by relegation candidates Lecce in what was one of the shock results in Italy in the new year. It was Lecce's first away victory in the entire campaign and consigned the Biancocelesti to their second loss in Rome in the league.
Nevertheless, Lazio remain in the top-four at the moment and are currently placed in third place with 34 points from 19 matches, six points behind leaders Milan. With Roma, Palermo and Juventus breathing down their neck, the Aquile will have to re-inspire themselves and soar into the sky yet again.
Climbing The Ladder
Sampdoria are very much likely to finish outside the top-six in Serie A this season and possibly in the top half of the table. With Antonio Cassano having departed, the Blucerchiati are lacking creativity and imagination upfront and it doesn't appear likely that they would be able to fix this problem immediately.
Nevertheless, Samp will still go for a European push and last weekend's 2-1 victory over Roma in Genoa would have certainly boosted their confidence. With 26 points from 18 matches, Domenico Di Carlo's side are ninth in the standings, five points off a Europa League place but have a game in hand.
Sampdoria's away form, though, is less than impressive as they have won just twice in the league on the road all season. Their last match on the road ended in a 3-0 drubbing by Palermo in Sicily and at the very least Samp will be keen to avoid a repeat of that result on Sunday.
TEAM NEWS
Lazio
Meghni, Garrido, Matuzalem and Rocchi are out injured while Biava is suspended.
Sampdoria
Semioli, Cacciatore and Padalino are out injured while Gastaldello and Lucchini are suspended.
Prediction
This will be a hard-fought encounter at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Lazio will commence the match as favourites and are likely to edge past Samp eventually.
Lazio 2-1 Sampdoria 
