Capezzi the difference at Temu: Samp pass the test against Padova

A step up in difficulty, and a win in the bag for Samp under the watchful gaze of Club President Ferrero, thanks to Capezzi’s goal. Sampdoria round off their series of friendly matches on the upswing at Temu with their best result against their hardest opponent yet in Padova, new arrivals in Serie B.
The deadlock was broken in the second half, which also saw the debuts in Samp colours for Brazilians Rafael and Tavares, and the return of the three Polish international players, who arrived on Saturday, fresh from their post-World Cup rest. Only Valerio Verre, currently recovering from yesterday’s bout of flu, was not called into action by Giampaolo.

The first half may have been sweltering according to the temperature, but failed to ignite on the pitch. Samp played the ball about, searching for gaps, while Padova looked to stay tight at the back and hit Doria on the break. Caprari hit the bar on the 11th minute from an assist by Praet, while Quagliarella’s attempt was stopped by the defence on the 24th minute. Two chances came from corners, first a header by Andersen on the 24th, then a strike by Jankto on the 42nd. Audero’s goal was threatened a little first by a laser cross from Contessa, a little out of the reach of Ravanelli (29th minute), and then by a long-distance attempt by Contessa himself on the 32nd minute.

The temperature fell in the second half, and the rhythm of the match rose in response. The lads came close from Quagliarella’s free-kick on the 50th minute, well saved by Marelli. The Padova keeper was soon on the other end of things though, as eight minutes later he was left in a muddle by a thunderous shot from Capezzi from distance: 1-0. In the traditional merry-go-round of substitutions late in the game, Rafael made a save on Ceccaroni, who popped up unexpectedly, while Samp came close to their second, first with Stijepovic on the 77th minute (saved well by Perisan), and then with Ramirez on the 82nd, the Uruguayan not able to make the most of a nice cross by Tavares and assist by Kownacki.
On Saturday in Trento the final Italian stage of summer preparations is planned: Parma will represent another step up in opposition for the side.

Sampdoria 1
Padova 0
Goals: 58’ Capezzi.
Sampdoria (4-3-1-2): Audero (46′ Rafael); Sala (63′ Ramirez), Andersen (46’ Ferrari), Colley (63′ Leverbe), Murru (46′ Rolando); Barreto (77’ Bereszynski), Capezzi (77′ Peeters), Jankto (77′ Linetty); Praet (77′ Tavares); Caprari, Quagliarella (70′ Stijepovic).
Unused subs: Belec, Baumgartner.
Coach: Giampaolo.

Padova (3-5-2): Merelli (66′ Perisan); Cappelletti, Capelli (62′ Ceccaroni), Ravanelli (55′ Broh); Salviato (46′ Madonna), Pulzetti (64′ Mazzocco), Della Rocca (70′ Cisco), Belingheri (55′ Minesso, 73′ Piovanello), Contessa; Bonazzoli (46′ Sarno), Marcandella (46′ Guidone).
Unused subs: Favaro, Scevola, Moro.
Coach: Bisoli.

Referee: Maggioni from Lecco.
Assistants: Lombardo from Sesto San Giovanni, and Mokhtar from Lecco.
Notes: Around 1,500 spectators; pitch in good condition.