Pegolo gives Siena something to smile about

Serie A bottom club Siena recorded a first league win in seven games when they beat Sampdoria 1-0 at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The Bianconeri - deducted six points for match fixing offences prior to the commencement of the season - picked up a much-needed victory through a second-half goal from Gianluca Pegolo.

Siena started brightly and created the first opening when Matteo Rubin drove a 20-yard effort just over.

The midfielder was again driving the home side forwards after 15 minutes but after charging down the right and cutting the ball back across the face of goal, there was no-one to apply a finishing touch.

Sampdoria, who have struggled for consistency with just one win in six, pressed just before the break but Mauro Icardi dragged his shot wide.

The visitors were again on the attack at the start of the second half, when midfielder Marcelo Estigarribia - on loan from Deportivo Maldonado - shot over.

Siena remained dangerous and after 56 minutes midfielder Alessandro Rosina was off target from the edge of the penalty area after another positive move.

Sampdoria, though, continued to press on the counter and goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo did well to save from Andrea Poli.

The breakthrough came after 71 minutes. Alessio Sestu got away down the right and his cross was headed in by Bogdani.

Sestu almost made it 2-0 with a long distance shot which flew over.

Sampdoria came close to snatching a draw in the final minute when Icardi crossed from the right but Roberto Soriano failed to hit the target from close range.