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Juventus vs Sampdoria: 3 key Sampdoria players to keep an eye on

By Jyotirmoy Halder

Sampdoria's Japan's defender Maya Yoshida (2R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Sampdoria and Inter Milan at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium in Genoa on September 12, 2021. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Sampdoria's Japan's defender Maya Yoshida (2R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Sampdoria and Inter Milan at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium in Genoa on September 12, 2021. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images) /
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2. Antonio Candreva

Antonio Candreva, UC Sampdoria (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Antonio Candreva, UC Sampdoria (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) /

Do you recognise him? Yes, it is Antonio Candreva. There are not many players currently in Serie A with a career as expansive as that of the Italian journeyman. 34 years of age, the Rome-born outlet has played for Udinese, Livorno, Juventus, Parma, Cesena, Lazio, Inter, and finally Sampdoria ever since he departed Ternana after honing his traits in the Italian Serie B.

Joining Sampdoria on loan from Inter in the summer transfer window of 2020, the veteran experienced a brilliant domestic season last term. As per FBref.com, he garnered five goals and eight assists from 35 appearances last season in Serie A.

His performances and influence on other teammates were so notable that the Samp hierarchy decided to cash in on his permanent arrival, securing the permanent acquisition of the Italian for a transfer fee of around €2.5 million last summer.

Right-footed, Candreva is the epitome of versatility. Despite losing his pace due to his incessant ageing, Candreva is considered one of the consistent ones for Blucerchiati. Roberto D’Aversa likes plying him as a right-midfielder in his preferred 4-4-2 formation.

From five games this season in Serie A, he has amassed one goal and one assist, with both contributions coming from their visit to Empoli last weekend. Enormously experienced, Candreva has an uncanny ability to venture into the midfield. Hence, he will be looking to exploit Juventus’ vulnerabilities down the flank as well as in the midfield.

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