Samp on song again

Sampdoria extended their unbeaten run to four games with a 2-1 triumph over Chievo in Genoa.

Samp defender Daniele Gastaldello put his side ahead on the stroke of half-time before fellow defender Alessio Romagnoli headed home the hosts' second in the 80th minute.

Chievo striker Alberto Paloschi gave his side a late lifeline but Samp held on for three points.

The victory was Sampdoria's second of the campaign while Chievo slumped to their third defeat.

Samp coach Sinisa Mihajlovic made wholesale changes to his team in view of Sunday's city derby at Genoa.

The home side dominated possession and had the first chance of the game in the 33rd minute.

Roberto Soriano spotted Gonzalo Bergessio in the area and the striker's powerful effort was saved by Chievo goalkeeper Francesco Bardi.

Bardi intervened two minutes later when he kept out Nenad Krsticic's header from Fabrizio Cacciatore's cross.

Chievo could have taken a 40th minute lead but Perparim Hetemaj's right-footed shot from the heart of the area went just wide of the far post.

Samp went in front deservedly before the interval.

Gastaldello found space inside the area, got behind Romagnoli's cross and then drilled a left-footed shot past Bardi for his second goal of the season.

Chievo showed more determination after the re-start but were denied an equaliser in the 62nd minute when Samp goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano fully stretched to keep out substitute Ruben Botta's close-range effort.

Viviano then denied substitute Valter Birsa, whose hard drive from 30 yards was on target.

Samp got their second goal when Romagnoli's close-range header from Stefano Okaka's cross beat Bardi.

Chievo fought to the end and reduced the arrears when Paloschi lobbed the ball over Viviano but time ran out on the Flying Donkeys.