Sampdoria got the better of Lecce in a very entertaining match at Marassi despite Simone Tiribocchi's brace.

Few expected Samp to be in a relegation battle, but their poor early form meant precisely that. Performances had improved of late, but Lecce were extremely hard to beat, drawing four of their last five including a stoppage-time 1-1 with Milan.

Guillermo Giacomazzi sat out a ban, while injuries sidelined Angelo Palombo and Bruno Fornaroli. Antonio Cassano, who is from Lecce's rival town of Bari, celebrated his 200th Serie A appearance.

Sampdoria took the lead after 11 minutes, as Gennaro Delvecchio was allowed a totally free looping header from seven yards that slotted into the far bottom corner. The defending was woeful, but Delvecchio did not celebrate as a sign of respect for his former club.

Antonio Cassano made it 2-0 with a delightful lob. He placed it into the top corner with the inside of his left foot, curling mercilessly past Benussi's outstretched hand.

Lecce almost got back into it with a fingertip Luca Castellazzi save to prod the cross-shot round the far post.

Benussi also got down well to block a Delvecchio angled drive, then Munari got on the end of an Andrea Zanchetta corner kick to fire straight at the goalkeeper.

Padalino limped off with an injury and just before the break Benussi came flying out to stop Claudio Bellucci slidig on to a cross from close range.

Lecce got themselves back into it, as Daniele Cacia chipped a cross from the right for Simone Tiribocchi's header at the back post.

Sampdoria restored their two-goal cushion with a marvellous goal from Marius Stankevicius. His looping header flew over the stunned goalkeeper and into the very far top corner.

Fabio Caserta's free kick was deflected inches over the bar, as Lecce were very nearly back to 3-2.

Lecce did get one back in controversial circumstances, as the ball ricocheted around before Tiribocchi got the finish with his right-foot, but there were appeals for a handling offence.