Sampdoria — Modena : Match Preview and Prediction for August 25,2025

New Tactical Approach Under Donati

A new season brings a new head coach to Sampdoria: Massimo Donati. His tactical philosophy is crystal clear: no frills, just intense pressing, superior physicality, and rapid transitions into attack. Analyst Pierluigi Gambino aptly described the team’s anticipated style as “no excesses, suffocating pressure, excellent running, and physical conditioning.” This pragmatic, results-oriented approach is precisely what’s required for success in Serie B, prioritizing efficiency over elaborate passing sequences.

Midfield Reinforcements: A Game Changer

The Genoese side has been particularly active and astute in the transfer market, especially when bolstering their midfield. The current central midfield unit appears nothing short of stellar for this division. The acquisition of Liam Henderson is a genuine coup; a player of his caliber would comfortably hold his own in Serie A. He is complemented by the experienced Jordan Ferri and Danish talent Oliver Abildgaard, forming a formidable central core capable of dictating tempo and dismantling opposition attacks.

Attacking Challenges: Room for Improvement

However, the attacking third presents a more nuanced picture, which aligns with our prediction. While the evergreen Massimo Coda is still with the squad, he is now 37, and expecting him to deliver fireworks in every single one of the 38 matchdays is pure fantasy. His likely strike partner, Albanian forward Chuni, is adept at link-up play but struggles with finishing. This suggests that Sampdoria will certainly create scoring opportunities but are unlikely to unleash an avalanche of goals.

Defensive Focus: Building a Solid Foundation

Defense is another key area where Donati is placing significant emphasis. The team is actively seeking further reinforcements, with reports circulating about their interest in Venezia defender Marin Sverko. This highlights the coach’s primary objective: to construct a robust and resilient team that will be incredibly difficult to break down. Keeping a clean sheet at the back is a paramount goal, especially in the opening home fixture.

Modena’s Organized Play and Finishing Woes

Under the guidance of Andrea Sottil, Modena appears to be an organized team, yet one with clear struggles in the final third. Their Coppa Italia debut against Torino served as a telling example. The team performed creditably, creating chances, but ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat. While Sottil expressed satisfaction with the performance post-match, the undeniable fact remains: they failed to find the back of the net.

Key Midfield Departure: Palumbo’s Absence Looms Large

Modena’s most significant offseason setback is undoubtedly the departure of their leader and primary creative force, Antonio Palumbo, who moved to Palermo. Gambino famously dubbed him the team’s “torchbearer,” and without his presence, the attacking prowess of the ‘Canaries’ has noticeably diminished. This represents a severe blow to their creativity, a void that will be exceedingly difficult to fill, especially in their opening fixture against a well-drilled Sampdoria side.

Striking Options: Decent but Depleted

Upfront, Modena relies on the pairing of Gregoire Defrel and Ettore Gliozzi, a duo that can be described as “decent, but nothing more.” The situation is further compounded by a personnel setback: striker Giuseppe Caso will miss the match due to muscle fatigue. This deprives Sottil of a crucial attacking option and further diminishes the likelihood of the visitors posing significant threats to the home side’s defense.

Historical Disadvantage at Marassi

And, of course, history cannot be overlooked. Modena’s last, and indeed only, victory against Sampdoria in Genoa dates all the way back to December 29, 1946. That’s a staggering 79 years ago. This historical statistic exerts immense psychological pressure and strongly suggests that the ‘Marassi’ stadium has been an historically unwelcoming venue for the ‘Gialloblu’.