Pescara
- Pescara have won two of their last two home games.
- Pescara’s survival prospects in Serie B have improved in the past month with Giorgio Gorgone’s men winning three, drawing one and losing one of their last five games in the Italian second tier.
- The Delfini are still 18th in the table on 32 points from 33 games and still have games left to pull themselves out of the relegation zone, but they have their tails up after a couple of encouraging home wins in a row.
- Pescara are playing their best soccer of the campaign in terms of attacking output and talent like Lorenzo Insigne or Marco Olzer from the midfield are vital to their play as they link the play up from the second lines and provide the link between the midfield and attack.
Sampdoria
- Sampdoria’s season has been disappointing for a club of their size and resources, but Attilio Lombardo has at least found a tactical formula that appears to suit his squad in a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 system.
- Since taking over in March, Lombardo has implemented an aggressive press, more pressing numbers high up the field and more tempo into the game.
- Sampdoria’s recent results have been a mixed bag - W2, D1, L2 in their last five - but they will come into this game off the back of consecutive wins, a 2-1 win at home to Avellino and a 1-0 success against Empoli.
Key Players
Their recent improvement has been driven by video analysis, organisation and pressing - veteran full-backs have provided the width and energy to press with while young and enthusiastic wide players have pressed from the top of the diamond.
Betting Insights
- Sampdoria have won one of their 16 away games in Serie B this season (D6, L9).
- Pescara have scored 25 goals in 16 home Serie B games (average 1.56).
Prediction
Pescara can be backed at a good price of 2.26 to beat a Sampdoria side that has lost both of their recent away games.
