To even remotely believe that Sampdoria are set to battle against relegation would be pushing it over the edge but the Blucerchiati's recent form is no better than a side struggling against the drop. Three defeats in a row combined with just one win in seven league matches have pushed Samp to 14th in the table.
Heading into Week 25, Sampdoria find themselves with just 27 points from 23 matches and are just five points above the relegation zone but with a game in hand. The teams below them, especially those in the relegation zone are fighting for points, so, for now, Domenico Di Carlo's side are safe.
However, for an ambitious club like Sampdoria it is important that they finish in at least mid-table and Samp will aspire to do that between now and the end of the season. The former Italian champions have an encouraging record at home, though, as they have lost just twice in the league and have conceded only six goals.
Improvement Continues
Bologna's recent run of good form has placed them above Sampdoria heading into this Week 25 encounter in Genoa. Last weekend the Felsinei defeated Catania 1-0 at home, stretching their unbeaten run to three matches.
At the moment Alberto Malesani's side are in 12th place in the league standings with 29 points from 23 matches, and have an encouraging seven point-gap between themselves and the relegation zone. One suspects that worries about the drop have been cast away, but until Bologna reach the 40-point mark they cannot rest at ease.
Bologna's away form, though, isn't very inspiring as of the 12 league fixtures they have been involved in on the road, only two have ended in maximum points for them. Furthermore, the Rossoblu have conceded 22 goals away from home.
TEAM NEWS
Sampdoria
Semioli, Gastaldello and Pozzi are injured and will sit out the match. Volta is suspended.
Bologna
Ekdal, Britos and Garics are unavailable as they are injured. Britos and Della Rocca are suspended.
Prediction
Bologna have shown an intent to improve but Sampdoria have proven themselves to be strong at home. This will be a competitive fixture and there shouldn't be too many goals, and one suspects that eventually Samp will gain the points.
Sampdoria 2-0 Bologna 
