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Claudio Bellucci returned in record time from knee surgery to score in this victory over plucky Catania.
The Blucerchiati continued their journey without Antonio Cassano on a five-match ban for throwing his shirt at the referee, but welcomed back Claudio Bellucci from injury to sit on the bench. Catania were without an away victory this season and had Marco Biagianti suspended with Jorge Martinez injured. Colucci had a problem during the warm-up and made way for Inacio Pia'.
In the opening 30 seconds Pia' wanted a penalty for a small nudge from Stefano Lucchini, but the referee waved play on.
Daniele Gastaldello should have given Samp the lead on 37 minutes, but incredibly blasted over from seven yards on Emiliano Bonazzoli's assist. It was a classic defender's finish.
Soon after Gennaro Delvecchio dummied Silvestri, but Silvestre got back to clear up the danger.
Bonazzoli's effort was deflected out off Stovini for a corner, as Catania were camped out in their own half. Samp were evidently ineffective upfront, so Bellucci made his comeback a month after knee ligament surgery. Within minutes his header was smothered by Bizzarri.
The Blucerchiati finally broke the deadlock with a curious goal, as Angelo Palombo's shot from a good 25 metres bounced right in front of the 'keeper, but still Bizzarri should not have let it squirm under his body.
Catania equalised with their first real chance of the game. A Mariano Izco corner kick cracked against the bar, then Vargas put a cross back into the centre for Lorenzo Stovini's header.
The game had suddenly sprung to life and moments later Sampdoria restored their advantage. A corner kick found Pietro Accardi completely unmarked for a free header at the back post.
Gionatha Spinesi had a great chance to make it 2-2, but Castellazzi stuck out a foot to parry his angled drive. Giuseppe Mascara complained of a backpass that the goalkeeper then picked up, but the referee waved play on.
Mascara gathered Izco's assist from seven yards only to balloon over the bar.
It proved a costly error, as Bellucci marked his comeback with the 10th goal of the season, a classic counter-attack where he dribbled past Stovini and beat Bizzarri at the near post.
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