Lazio vs Sampdoria, Preview: Lazio face Rossi roadblock in quest for Europe

The Biancocelesti have rediscovered their form in the last seven days, thrashing Bologna 6-0 last Sunday, before defeating Inter Milan 3-1 at the San Siro in midweek, to put them back in the Europa League mix.

Sampdoria - coached by former Lazio boss Delio Rossi are winless in nine games, although Wednesday's point against Catania ensured Serie A safety in their first season back in the top flight.

Despite the pressure being off, Rossi will be hopeful of arresting his side's slump and getting one over his former employers. Before Wednesday's victory over Inter, Lazio's previous away win came just before Christmas at Sampdoria, ruining Rossi's debut on the Blucerchiati bench.

Lazio midfielder Cristian Brocchi announced his retirement on Friday after a metatarsal break suffered in February. A pulled thigh muscle also benches Michael Ciani. Ederson and Stefano Mauri remain sidelined, while Abdoulay Konko and Andre Dias face fitness tests.

Samp's Nenad Krsticic is out for the season and Andrea Costa is doubtful to start. Lorenzo De Silvestri is expected to lineup against his former club.

While Sampdoria have had the better of recent games between the two sides in Genoa, you have to go back eight years for the last time they won in Rome. The last six meetings in the Eternal City have primarily gone the way of the hosts - five wins and a draw.