Sampdoria vs AC Milan prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2022-09-09 18:45.
Winless in their opening five Serie A (SA) matches for the first time since 2013/14, Sampdoria’s troubles continue. Marco Giampaolo’s men suffered a third SA defeat this term after conceding twice during the final minutes of the first half against Hellas Verona last time out (1-2), and could even equal their worst points haul after six SA games from 2013/14 should they lose again here against AC Milan.
There is no need to panic just yet if history is anything to go by though, as Sampdoria finished 12th during that previous slow-starting season. However, the fact that no side across Europe’s top-five divisions has lost more league games than the Blucerchiati’s 16 this calendar year (2022), suggests their troubles are deep-rooted.
In complete contrast to their hosts, Milan have lost just once in SA during 2022 – no side in the top-five European leagues can better that top-flight form. Stefano Pioli’s men also celebrated a huge derby victory over fierce city rivals Inter last Saturday (3-2), but then brought home only a point from their Tuesday night UEFA Champions League clash against Salzburg (1-1).
That Salzburg game showed once again Milan’s enormous willpower, as they fought back for a draw after trailing in the match, in what was the fourth game from six unbeaten competitive fixtures this season where they trailed at some point during the game (W3, D3). However this trip appears a perfect opportunity for Milan to end their current three-game wait for an away win this term (D3) as they have won their last three H2Hs here, leading at half-time ’to nil’ in all.
Players to watch: Sampdoria’s Francesco Caputo finally found the net for the first time since April in the last round – each of his last eight goals arrived before the break. Milan’s Rafael LeĂŁo is looking for his third league goal against Sampdoria and has already contributed to 19 SA goals this calendar year (G10, A9).
Hot stat: Milan have conceded first in four of their six competitive matches this term.