Lazio have kept their slim hopes of finishing in the European places alive with a narrow victory over Sampdoria in Serie A this afternoon.

The home side scored six last weekend at the Stadio Olimpico and were ahead after just 10 minutes as Sergio Floccari got a late deflection to guide Miroslav Klose's shot into the bottom corner.

© AP Photos

Gianni Munari and Mauro Icardi then both went close for Sampdoria soon after as the visitors carried a threat on the counter.

Antonio Candreva then flashed a strike just wide from distance as the Aquile held their advantage going into the break.

Second-half substitute Rene spurned a glorious chance to equalise late on for Samp as his strike from close range missed the target.

Vladimir Petkovic's side made three points safe late on as Candreva converted from the spot to send Lazio sixth above city rivals Roma.