View from the Opposition: Sampdoria

The game against Sampdoria gets underway at 18:00 CEST.

Here's what Basso makes of the impending contest...

What should we expect from Sampdoria after the most recent international break?

"A Sampdoria side fired up again after the win against Venezia. Although, as with every team, there is always a bit of a doubt about how some of the players involved with their national teams will be feeling as they return.

"Bereszynski, Ekdal and Yoshida, for example, all only got back on Thursday - while Tomas Rincon returned on Friday. So in terms of the tactical preparation for this game things will not have been made easy this week by not having the full squad available."

Has the win over Venezia eased the mood around the club, or is relegation still playing on some minds?

"It certainly has given the side a bit of breathing space at the right time. The atmosphere around the place is a little more relaxed, although obviously there is still an element of nerves there.

"I think there is an awareness that the team still probably needs eight or nine more points in order to ensure they will be in Serie A again next season."

Ahead of this match do you expect the coach to change much, in terms of tactics or personnel?

"The feeling is that the setup will stay the same. A few players could be switched around though, depending on exactly how some of them have returned from the internationals."

Who are the key players for Sampdoria right now?

"So far this season has given us the sense that it is the collective effort that is much more important than individual performances in terms of how Sampdoria get on. Having said that, clearly Candreva, Sensi, Caputo and Quagliarella are the players with that little bit extra about them."

What will scare Sampdoria most about this current Roma side?

"The whole thing, really. The difference in quality between the two squads is fairly obvious. Roma are looking to qualify for the European competitions, whereas Sampdoria simply want to stay up this season.

"What's more, the Giallorossi are in great form right now. That's not to say that Sampdoria couldn't make it a tough game for them, though, as they have managed to do that this season against pretty much all the big sides - including the first meeting between these two at the Olimpico."

What is your prediction for the match?

"Roma are clearly the favourites based on the superior quality at their disposal. This season has shown us, though, that lots of predictions can easily be proven wrong.

"It's also worth noting that on Sunday the home side will finally, after two years, be able to count upon the full support of the most passionate section of their fanbase - the groups in the Sud - thanks to the return to 100% capacity."