Torino vs Sampdoria preview - Ventura wary of Samp

A 30-year career as a coach has taught Giampiero Ventura to expect the unexpected and he knows Sampdoria have what it takes to end Torino's fine run.

Ventura's side were backed to struggle on their return to Serie A but they have quietly established themselves with a series of creditable results.

Torino consolidated a run of three wins from four games with a swashbuckling 2-2 draw at Inter Milan last time out, but Ventura could not upstage Sampdoria boss Delio Rossi, who had earlier overseen an emphatic 6-0 win over Pescara.

The two in-form sides face off at the Stadio Olimpico, with Ventura telling the Corriere dello Sport: "Experience teaches you that you are never assured a particular result against anyone.

"The Blucerchiati have players in great form, like (Mauro) Icardi, and last week they scored six goals.

"Were we stunned by our game on Sunday? If we were stunned then imagine how Sampdoria would answer that question having won 6-0.

"It will be a difficult game for many reasons. They are in good form, they have a good squad and some fantastic forwards.

"Sampdoria have come through a difficult time to return to picking up good results. The real test will be reading their game and dealing with it properly."

Brazilian youth international striker Jonathas has signed up to Torino's cause, while defenders Angelo Ogbonna and Abour Diop continue to nurse injuries.

Samp striker Icardi was the subject of a failed 12million euro bid from Napoli this week, having scored four of his team's six goals against Pescara, meaning suspended midfielder Pedro Obiang is Rossi's only absentee.

The points were shared when these two sides met at the Marassi in September and Torino have not claimed a home win over Sampdoria in the top flight since October 2007.