Sampdoria maintain their challenge
ROME, Italy -- Sampdoria continued their challenge for a Champions League place by withstanding a determined Bologna fightback to win an entertaining Serie A match 3-2.
Victory moved the promoted club up to 36 points, four less than fourth-placed Lazio who have two games in hand.
Midfielder Sergio Volpi gave Sampdoria a ninth-minute lead from the penalty spot after team mate Fabio Bazzani had been tripped in the area.
A minute later the visitors drew level when Claudio Bellucci flicked on a neat pass for strike partner Giuseppe Signori to fire the ball low into the net.
Defender Aimo Diana restored the home side's lead just before the half hour, tapping in from close range.
Four minutes after the interval Bologna keeper Gianluca Pagliuca fumbled a header by striker Giacomo Cipriani to make it 3-1.
Sampdoria appeared to be cruising to victory but a header from midfielder Carlo Nervo ensured a torrid final 20 minutes as Bologna pressed for an equaliser.
