Genoa, December 26, 2024 – A hard-fought contest at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris ended with yet another disappointment for U.C. Sampdoria as they were held to a 1-1 draw by S.S.D. Carrarese, marking their third consecutive match without securing a win.
The match kicked off on the wrong foot for Sampdoria when, just four minutes in, Carrarese’s Finotto found the back of the net. With deft skill, he capitalized on a defensive lapse from Sampdoria, receiving a well-placed through ball from Zuelli and effortlessly slotted it past goalkeeper Ghidotti. The joy of the traveling supporters from Carrara was palpable as they celebrated the early lead.
Despite this setback, Sampdoria quickly took control of the match, dominating possession statistics and keeping almost 71% of the ball overall. Their attempts to penetrate the Carrarese defense were thwarted time and again, with the visitors maintaining a disciplined formation.
It wasn’t until the second half when the game shifted considerably. Just seven minutes after halftime, Carrarese faced the consequences of Illanes's handball—an act deemed as preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity (which was confirmed by VAR)—leading to his immediate dismissal. Down to ten men, Carrarese had to rely heavily on their defensive setup.
Sampdoria ramped up the pressure, resulting in several promising chances. Notably, Bleve, the Carrarese custodian, performed heroics, saving attempts from both Vieira and Coda, firmly holding the team’s hopes to secure at least one point.
Finally, the tide turned for Sampdoria at the 66th minute. Veroli, finding himself amid chaos from a corner kick rebounded off the Carrarese defenders, struck the ball perfectly to score the equalizer, fulfilling the team's pressing need to find the back of the net. This was also remarkable as it marked Veroli's first professional goal, celebrated by his teammates on the pitch.
Despite the numerical advantage, Sampdoria struggled to break through the resilient Carrarese defense. They pressed hard during the latter stages of the match, with Yepes and Kasami coming close, but Bleve was there time and again to deny them another goal. The match culminated with several missed opportunities, leading to significant frustration for the home side.
Final whistle confirmed the 1-1 draw, leaving Sampdoria still searching for their first win since October. Their position remains precarious as they finish the first half of the season with just 20 points—hovering at the margins of the relegation play-off zone.
The results exacerbate the concerns among fans and management alike, as the team has struggled to convert possession and territorial dominance onto the scoreboard. With playoffs several points away and relegation looming, the club faces intense scrutiny and pressure to perform well against upcoming opponents like Pisa, who they hope will present more favorable conditions to rectify their current plight.
