Tonetto signals Sampdoria's European ambition

By Paolo Menicucci

UC Sampdoria strengthened their challenge for a berth in next season's UEFA Champions League after Max Tonetto's second-half strike earned a 1-0 victory against Brescia Calcio that takes the Genoese side up to third.

Sumptuous volley
Tonetto scored a sumptuous left-footed volley from outside the penalty box with 15 minutes remaining, finally breaching Luca Castellazzi's stern resistance at the Rigamonti stadium. The Brescia goalkeeper had hitherto kept the Blucerchiati at bay with an excellent display, denying Francesco Flachi twice and Cristiano Doni's deflected free-kick.

Suspended duo
Sampdoria showed no signs of missing suspended midfield duo Sergio Volpi and Angelo Palombo and controlled much of the match, but looked to be heading for a draw before Tonetto hit his unstoppable effort. Defeat leaves Brescia mired in relegation worries, second-from-bottom, while Sampdoria leapfrog Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale Milano into third.

Udinese comeback
Udinese would have gone third with victory over ACF Fiorentina but after the Viola took a two-goal lead, Luciano Spalletti's side will be content with their 2-2 draw at the Artemio Franchi stadium. Goals from Valeri Bojinov and Luca Ariatti gave the home side the advantage before a goal just before the interval from Sullay Muntari gave Udinese hope.

Pinzi dismissed
Eleven minutes after the restart, Udinese drew level through Antonio Di Natale. They then pressed but could not find a third goal and eventually ended the match with ten men when Giampiero Pinzi was dismissed two minutes from time. Udinese are now fifth, while Fiorentina are just two points above the relegation zone.

Milan derby
Tomorrow's fixtures are dominated by the 'Derby della Madonnina' between leaders AC Milan and unbeaten Inter. Should Milan slip up, victory for Juventus FC against third-bottom AC Siena will see the Bianconeri return to the summit.