Spezia secured a third consecutive Serie A victory, Daniele Verde’s volley enough to beat local rivals Sampdoria on Marco Giampaolo’s debut.
The Blucerchiati made their debut under returning coach Giampaolo, but he had to do without Fabio Quagliarella, Mikkel Damsgaard, Emil Audero, Maya Yoshida, Omar Colley and Valerio Verre. Spezia were still on a high from their shock last-gasp win away to Milan, but Giulio Maggiore sat out a ban.
Manolo Gabbiadini saw an early strike well-saved, although the offside flag was up in a tight decision too.
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Ciccio Caputo couldn’t quite get enough onto the Gabbiadini through ball, allowing Ivan Provedel to make the save, then Caputo saw his header thump the upright from a corner.
Just moments later, Spezia took the lead. Kevin Agudelo burst down the right, combined with Emmanuel Gyasi and whipped in a cross for Daniele Verde’s well-taken volley. Wladimiro Falcone got a leg to it, but not enough to keep the shot out.
It went from bad to worse, as then Albin Ekdal received a very harsh second yellow card for flailing out an arm that struck a defender on the face.
Agudelo went for goal himself, firing wide after a strong run, while Gabbiadini turned off target from Ernesto Torregrossa’s assist deep into stoppages.
Spezia 1-0 Sampdoria
Verde 69 (Sp)
Sent off: Ekdal 73 (Sa)