[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Livorno - Sampdoria

Stadio Picchi

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Sampdoria are the guests at the Armando Picchi this weekend. Livorno may be in 13th in the League, a position which in other seasons would have meant safety, but it is not so this year and the Amaranto must be prudent.

They lost their third game in a row last time out and now find themselves in a perilous position with just three games left. Opponents Lazio had their Champions League ambitions to play for and they simply overwhelmed the home team even if they only netted a 1-0 win.

Livorno Coach Fernando Orsi looks like going for a 4-4-1-1 formation in an attempt to stop the leakage of goals, while simultaneously getting some support in place for the often isolated Cristiano Lucarelli.

Changes seem likely but only in midfield, with Luis Vidigal and Paulo Paulinho the probable losers. In their place could be Dario Passoni and Rodriguez Cesar, who came on as a substitute last match and impressed many. For all that, the most crucial job will surely fall to Stefano Fiore, who with one great pass or cross could give Lucarelli his 100th goal for the club.

Sampdoria could only manage a goalless draw with Reggina at home in their last game. It was a vital point for the southerners, but a wasted opportunity for the Blucerchiati. They might have to content themselves with being one of the few teams that are neither in danger of relegation nor likely to qualify for Europe and in that respect, they are part of a very selected and ‘privileged’ few.

Coach Walter Novellino seems to enjoy watching his side play with a simple 4-4-2, but there could be a few changes to the side that perhaps should have won that last home game. Cristian Zenoni may come in at right-back with Christian Maggio moving into midfield in place of Vladimir Koman. Daniele Franceschini could also come back into midfield, after playing up front last match, where he may take Andrea Parola’s place. Fabio Quagliarella and Fabio Bazzani are tipped to start in attack.

Man on fire: Rodriguez Cesar (Livorno) – The Brazilian wide man was the only one left fighting last game. He is full of running and ideas, a real bonus for his side.

Last season: Livorno 0-0 Sampdoria

Form guide: Livorno (D W L L L) Sampdoria (L L W W D)

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Livorno (probable): Manitta; Grandoni, Knezevic, Galante, Pasquale; Filippini, Passoni, Morrone, Cesar, Fiore; Lucarelli

Sampdoria (probable): Castellazzi; C Zenoni, Accardi, Falcone, Pieri; Maggio, Palombo, G Delvecchio, D Franceschini; Quagliarella, Bazzani

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