Sampdoria 0-1 Roma: Micki makes the difference

Mkhitaryan was in the right place at the right time to lash home the loose ball in the 27th minute, the decisive moment of the match as the Giallorossi ran out 1-0 winners at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Sampdoria, still fighting to ensure their survival this season, pushed for an equaliser throughout but in truth struggled to test Rui Patricio - who was only forced into a handful of saves that he did with casual ease.

Mourinho's side, meanwhile, failed to capitalise on the occasional chances they created to kill off the match - ensuring the game felt in the balance until the final whistle.

Nevertheless the visitors saw out the contest without undue stress, improving their European aspirations ahead of the closing stage of the campaign.

SAMPDORIA 0-1 ROMA

GOALSCORERS: Mkhitaryan (27')

SAMPDORIA (4-3-1-2): Audero; Bereszynski, Ferrari (Yoshida), Colley, Murru (Augello); Candreva, Rincon (Vieira), Thorsby (Trimboli); Sensi (Quagliarella); Sabiri, Caputo

ROMA (3-5-1-1): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Sergio Oliveira (Bove), Cristante, Mkhitaryan, Zalewski (Vina); Pellegrini (Kumbulla); Abraham (Shomurodov)