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Sampdoria were the winners in Sicily, although it is not enough to keep them in reach of a Champions League spot.
Amauri and Cristian Zaccardo waved goodbye to the Barbera with their last home game before expected moves to Juventus and Wolfsburg, but Samp were in the position Palermo had last season - a UEFA Cup spot. This fixture hadn’t ended in a Serie A stalemate since 1972 and the Blucerchiati won just two of their previous 16 visits.
Christian Maggio returned from suspension, but failed to make the most of a Federico Balzaretti error early on. Fabrizio Miccoli's missile tested Antonio Mirante, but Bosko Jankovic went even closer as his effort shaved the upright with the outside of his right foot. On the stroke of half-time Claudio Bellucci was inches away from getting his foot to Cassano's delightful assist. It took a moment of genius to break the deadlock and it came from Antonio Cassano. His right-foot free kick was laser-guided into the near top corner where Federico Agliardi simply could not reach. Christian Maggio doubled their advantage with a precise soaring header under the bar, continuing his personal best campaign.
Miccoli went closest to a consolation goal for the home side, but he could only crack against the upright 10 minutes from time.
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