Genoa vs Sampdoria preview - Lopez set for Sampdoria start
Posted Sunday, February 02, 2014 by PA
Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is set to hand new signing Maxi Lopez a start in Monday night's Derby della Lanterna at Genoa.
With Samp strikers Nicola Pozzi and Manolo Gabbiadini doubtful through injury, the Argentinian forward could play alongside the team's top scorer Citadin Eder, in a game rearranged on Friday due to fans being unhappy with the initial kick-off time of 1230 CET on Sunday.
Lopez joined Samp on loan from Catania this week for a second spell with the Blucerchiati after spending part of last season with the Genoa outfit.
"I needed to get more playing time and Sampdoria is the ideal place to do so," said Lopez, who scored one goal in 12 league appearances for Catania this season.
"I didn't hesitate once I spoke to Mihajlovic as this is a serious club with an interesting project.
"I know I've made the right decision by coming here and I feel as though I have come back home.
"I enjoyed my experience at Samp last season and I can't wait to give my contribution. I feel positive vibes and I'm ready to play.
"The derby is always a special game and it would be the best thing to score (against Genoa)."
Samp, who lost 3-0 to Genoa earlier this season, have won just one of their last five league games.
The Blucerchiati head into the weekend in 13th place after last weekend's 1-1 draw against Bologna.
Rivals Genoa followed their 1-0 triumph over Inter Milan with a 3-3 draw at Fiorentina last time out.
The Grifoni, coached by Gian Piero Gasperini, sat 11th in the standings ahead of the weekend action - five points clear of Monday's rivals.
"We are doing well but we want to give continuity to our results," Genoa defender Nicolas Burdisso said.
"We know how must this game means to our fans.
"We face a very difficult game against Samp. We just have to focus on ourselves and try to give our all."
Samp will be bolstered by the return of defender Vasco Regini from suspension.
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