Narrow win for Catania

Bottom-side Catania gave their faint hopes of avoiding relegation a boost by beating Sampdoria 2-1.

Bottom-side Catania gave their faint hopes of avoiding relegation a boost by condemning Sampdoria to their third straight defeat in Sicily on Saturday. The home fans sensed it was going to be their side's day when Sebastian Leto put them ahead on the stroke of half-time. Sampdoria's Stefano Okaka levelled shortly after the hour mark only for Catania to go back in front two minutes later thanks to Gonzalo Bergessio's goal. Catania held on for their fifth win of the campaign and halted a six-match losing streak in the process. The victory has lifted the Sicilians five points adrift of Bologna, who occupy the last position of safety. Bologna take on Serie A leaders Juventus later on Saturday. Samp have won just one of their lpst six league games and have dropped to 12th place. Catania coach Maurizio Pellegrino, who took over the reins of the struggling outfit earlier this month, had urged his troops to give their all in their remaining five games. The hosts had the first chance midway through the first half when Bergessio's header from Francesco Lodi's cross was saved by Samp goalkeeper Vincenzo Fiorillo. Fiorillo was called again to make a save shortly after to deny Pablo Barrientos' 12-yard attempt. The visitors finally put a good move together in the 44th minute. Gianluca Sansone fed Birkir Bjarnason in the box and his right- footed shot was kept out by Catania goalkeeper Alberto Frison. Catania broke the deadlock moments later when Gino Peruzzi set up Leto in the area and the forward struck the ball past Fiorillo to give his side a 1-0 half-time lead. Samp showed more determination after the re-start and their efforts paid off in the 61st minute when Okaka surged in the Catania area and drilled a right-footed shot past Frison for the equaliser. Samp's joy was shortlived as the hosts hit back moments later. Bergessio latched onto a superb assist from Barrientos to slot the ball into the bottom-left corner and put his team back in command. Renan curled a 25-yard attempt just wide one minute from time as Catania held on for a vital win.