Sampdoria v Venezia: Martinelli was alert, Brunori went unnoticed

Sampdoria held Venezia to a 0-0 draw. An important point for Lombardo on his debut. A solid defence meant Venezia’s strikers failed to make an impact. Martinelli (7) was immediately alert to Doumbia’s shot, saved a back-post header and denied Adorante in stoppage time, while also making a fine second-half stop and a miraculous 70th-minute save.

Palma (6.5) improved for over an hour and slid in to block Sagrado, and Begic (6.5) supplied the most spark and pace among the hosts. Brunori (5) struggled against Venezia’s centre-backs despite work-rate and link-up play with Begic. Several Sampdoria players put in solid, practical displays: Esposito (6) captained a scrappy effort, Conti (6.5) laboured on a heavy pitch and was substituted after showing fatigue, and Hadzikadunic (6) lasted only one half before being replaced.

Lombardo (6.5) stuck with a familiar lineup and fielded a well-organised, focused side amid an injury crisis. Venezia’s ratings were mostly around six.

sampdoria, venezia, lombardo, martinelli, brunori, begic, palma, doumbia, adorante, esposito