Sampdoria drop more points in Spezia draw as relegation crisis deepens
A lively start saw both sides set an attacking tone early on as Spezia's Albin Ekdal tested the palms of goalkeeper Nicola Ravaglia before the hosts immediately countered through Tommaso Augello, who squandered a presentable opportunity with a tame effort.
No clubs have scored fewer in Serie A this season than Sampdoria and Spezia, and wayward finishing was the early theme of the game until midway through the opening half when defender Bruno Amionerose climbed above the Aquilotti defence to head home from a corner.
The end-to-end nature of the contest continued with Mehdi Bourabia volleying over from close range as Spezia’s record of just nine goals from their last 14 games continued to weigh upon them.
A number of flares thrown onto the pitch disrupted the start of the second half, but when play finally resumed it was Spezia who were on the front foot.
And after Kelvin Amian glanced a downward header narrowly wide, the visitors were rewarded for their pressure when Daniele Verde met Simone Bastoni’s delivery with a firm header into the far-bottom corner.
Minutes later, Verde almost carved open a second as Sampdoria’s defence frailties were exposed once more.
Even with 10 minutes added time, Sampdoria offered little going forward to earn the extra two points they sorely needed and when Alessandro Zanoli broke through in the latter stages, his point-blank attempt was turned around the post by Jeroen Zoet.
Spezia then nearly snatched their first away win since January but Verde’s effort was deflected wide at the death.
The point does little to ease Sampdoria’s relegation worries, with the Blucerchiati heading into next weekend’s visit to Fiorentina nine points adrift from safety with seven games remaining.
Spezia meanwhile, have their own survival battle to contend with and sit a point above the drop zone as they strive to preserve the top-flight status for a fourth-straight season.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Daniele Verde (Spezia)
