Juventus will be hoping for a comfortable win over struggling Sampdoria to bolster their title charge, with Inter Milan level on points with the Bianconeri at the top of Serie A.

Sampdoria put an end to a three-game losing streak across all competitions with a 1-0 win over Genoa last time out, but they still find themselves 16th and just two points clear of the relegation zone, having played a game more than Brescia in 18th.

Match preview

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Struggling Sampdoria have lifted themselves out of the bottom three with three wins from their last six league games after a shocking start to the season.

Following Marco Giampaolo's ill-fated departure to AC Milan, Sampdoria claimed just one win from their first 10 Serie A fixtures and were firmly entrenched in the relegation zone.

Sampdoria have mustered a feeble 13 goals from their 16 games so far - the third-worst record in the division behind Udinese and SPAL in 17th and 20th respectively.

However, their 1-0 win over Genoa brought with it the club's fifth clean sheet of the season, with three of those coming in their last six games as Sampdoria start to stabilise their stuttering season.

In Juventus, however, they face a fearsome opponent who will be determined to fend off the challenge of Inter for their Serie A crown this season.

The Bianconeri bounced back from their first loss in all competitions this campaign against Lazio to win by the same 3-1 scoreline against Udinese in their last game.

Maurizio Sarri's side boast the competition's joint-third best defence, conceding just 16 times in their 16 games so far. They are only the joint-fifth highest scorers in the division, however, netting 29 times in that period.

It is a rude awakening for a Juve side used to being the best at everything in Italy, and they will be hoping to boost those attacking numbers in particular against Sampdoria.

Sampdoria Serie A form: WDWLLW
Sampdoria form (all competitions): DWLLLW

Juventus Serie A form: WWWDLW
Juventus form (all competitions): WWDLWW

Team News

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Sampdoria head coach Claudio Ranieri has a lengthy list of absentees to contend with ahead of the visit of the reigning champions.

Ronaldo Vieira is suspended, while Bartosz Bereszynski, Federico Bonazzoli, Andrea Bertolacci, Vasco Regini and Gonzalo Maroni are all out injured.

Jakub Jankto, Albin Ekdal, Fabio Quagliarella and Edgar Barreto are all doubts as well.

Juventus boss Sarri has far fewer concerns to deal with, on the other hand.

Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended, while Sami Khedira is injured along with long-term absentee Giorgio Chiellini.

Sampdoria possible starting lineup:
Audero; Thorsby, Ferrari, Colley, Murru; Depaoli, Murillo, Leris, Linetty; Ramirez; Gabbiadini

Juventus possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, Sandro; Ramsey, Pjanic, Matuidi; Bernardeschi; Dybala, Ronaldo

We say: Sampdoria 1-3 Juventus

Sampdoria have been improving since Ranieri's arrival but a visit from title-chasing Juventus is likely to prove too much for the Serie A strugglers. The Bianconeri will expect another comfortable win.

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