Primavera 1 TIM: Samp kick off campaign with defeat

Facing the reigning champions of Italy was never going to be a simple way to kick off the campaign and so it proved, although Sampdoria’s Primavera side can be proud of their gallant attempt to stage what would have been a remarkable comeback.

Atalanta showed all their quality in the first half hour, with strength, fine technique and experience oozing throughout the team. The Blucerchiati would not let that be the end of the contest, however, and despite going 3-0 down in the first half, the 3-2 final scoreline certainly gives reason for optimism.

There was just ten minutes on the clock when Piccoli headed the visitors into the lead. Atalanta doubled their lead after 30 minutes when Colley converted a free-kick on the edge of the box. There was barely time to regroup before Piccoli gave the champions a seemingly unassailable lead just 60 seconds later. The hosts did cut the arrears before half-time when Prelec took advantage of a poor backpass by Ndiaye to set the second half up nicely.

There were many changes in the second half, but there was little goalmouth action until Bahlouli’s right-footed free-kick put Samp right back into the contest. Some chances were spurned in the final stages as Marcello Cottafava’s side pushed for an unlikely equaliser, but it was to no avail in the end. There is certainly plenty to be optimistic about in this new cycle for the team.

Sampdoria 2-3 Atalanta (HT 1-3)

Scorers: Piccoli 10, 31, Colley 30, Prelec 38, Bahlouli 72.

Sampdoria (3-4-3): Avogadri; Rocha, Veips, Obert (Giordano 82); Maggioni (Chrysostomou 68), Vieira, Pompetti (Brentan 68), Ercolano; Amado (Scaffidi 57), Prelec (Yayi Mpie 57), Bahlouli.

Subs not used: Raspa, Boschini, Angileri, Sorensen, Trimboli, Canovi, Sabattin, Brentan.

Coach: Cottafava.

Atalanta (4-3-3): Ndiaye; Ghislandi, Okoli, Guth, Ruggeri; Gyabuaa, Panada (Da Riva 66), Cortinovis; Traore, Piccoli (Cambiaghi 74), Colley (Italeng 89).

Subs not used: Gelmi, Begonzi, Milani, Brogni, Finardi, Sidibe, Signori, Bertini, Ghisleni.

Coach: Brambilla.

Referee: Fiero (Pistoia).

Assistants: Bertelli (Busto Arsizio) and Giuggioli (Grosseto).

Booked: Gyabuaa 71, Guth 78, Okoli 90+2.

Added time: 1+4 minutes.

Attendance: approx. 250.

Pitch: synthetic.