In a tightly contested match at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Sampdoria and Cremonese battled to a goalless draw on May 1, 2025, in a crucial Serie B encounter. Both teams entered the match under different pressures, with Sampdoria desperately needing points to escape the relegation zone, while Cremonese aimed to secure their place in the playoff positions.
The match kicked off at 15:00, and the atmosphere was electric, with a full capacity of 36,685 spectators. Sampdoria, coming off a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Carrarese, made tactical changes under coach Evani, shifting to a 4-4-2 formation. This included starting M'Baye Niang and Giuseppe Sibilli in attack, supported by Fabio Depaoli and Tommaso Barbieri on the wings.
Cremonese, on the other hand, lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Dennis Johnsen and Jari Vandeputte providing support to striker Luca De Luca. Under the management of Stroppa, the team was unbeaten in their last seven matches and was looking to maintain their strong form.
The first half was marked by a lack of clear chances, although both teams had moments of promise. In the 18th minute, Niang found himself in a good position but was thwarted by a solid save from Cremonese's goalkeeper, Fulignati. The home side continued to press, with Sibilli and Niang creating several opportunities, but they struggled to find the back of the net.
As the half progressed, Cremonese also had their chances. A significant moment came in the 35th minute when Johnsen broke through the Sampdoria defense, only to see his shot cleared off the line by two defenders, maintaining the deadlock. The first half ended with both teams level at 0-0, reflecting a match that had moments of intensity but lacked the finishing touch.
In the second half, both teams made adjustments. Sampdoria substituted Depaoli for Lorenzo Venuti at the break, while Cremonese brought on Zanimacchia and Ceccherini for Barbieri and Ravanelli. The changes aimed to inject fresh energy into both lineups as they sought a breakthrough.
Despite these adjustments, the match continued in a similar vein. The intensity remained, but clear-cut chances were few and far between. In the 61st minute, Cremonese's Collocolo tested Cragno with a powerful shot, but the Sampdoria goalkeeper was equal to the task, making an important save.
As the clock ticked down, the tension mounted. Both teams exchanged opportunities, but neither could capitalize. Sampdoria's attempts were met with resolute defending from Cremonese, who were determined to hold onto their playoff position. In the 87th minute, Sampdoria made their final substitution, bringing on Bellemo for Sibilli, hoping to find the spark needed to secure a late winner.
In the closing moments, Fulignati continued to impress for Cremonese, making crucial saves to keep the scoreline intact. The match ended 0-0, a result that left both teams with mixed feelings. For Sampdoria, the point was a step toward safety, but they would have hoped for more given their home advantage. Cremonese, while maintaining their fourth-place standing, missed an opportunity to extend their unbeaten run.
As the players left the pitch, the focus shifted to the implications of the match. Sampdoria remained in 16th place with 36 points, while Cremonese held onto their spot in the playoff positions with 57 points. The battle for survival and playoff spots continues, with both teams looking ahead to their next fixtures.
This match exemplified the unpredictability of Serie B, where every point counts. As the season approaches its climax, the stakes are higher than ever for teams fighting for their futures in Italian football.
