Diana inspires Sampdoria success

Two goals from Aimo Diana and a Fabio Bazzani strike helped UC Sampdoria FC to record a 3-0 win at lowly US Lecce. Walter Novellino’s men made light of a number of injuries and suspensions to dampen the Puglian side’s survival prospects even at this early stage in the season.

Bazzano brilliance
Diana gave Sampdoria the lead after 21 minutes when he reacted first to Corrado Colombo’s downward header from a corner, and then doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time with a shot from the edge of the area which deflected off the unfortunate Gennaro Del Vecchio. Bazzani completed the scoring with a fine individual effort three minutes into the second half to help his side move up two places to seventh place in Serie A. Lecce, meanwhile, remain second from bottom with 12 points.

Derby draw
In the only other Serie A match played today, FC Messina Peloro and US Città di Palermo drew 0-0 in the Sicilian derby at the Stadio San Filippo. Driving rain and fear of defeat made for an error-strewn affair with the visitors low on confidence after losing their last three Serie A matches. Arturo Di Napoli almost scored an undeserved winner late on for Messina with a long shot that skimmed the crossbar, while Marco Storari prevented Denis Godeas from scoring his first goal for Palermo with their best chance.