The record of Walter Mazzarri’s previous encounters with Sampdoria – the team he managed between 2007 and 2009, guiding them to the final of the Coppa Italia, which they lost on penalties to Lazio – works out marginally in favour of the current Inter coach. Of his 14 previous matches against the Blucerchiati, Mazzarri has won six, drawn three and lost five.

Siniša Mihajlović has taken charge of six previous matches against Inter, managing one victory, one draw and four losses. The Nerazzurri scored in every one of those matches, notching 13 times in total. However, we should not overlook the wealth of history tying Mihajlović to this fixture – on top of being the Nerazzurri assistant manager to Roberto Mancini between 2006 and 2008, the Serb is also a former Inter player. Between 2004 and 2006, Mihajlović turned out 43 times for the club, scoring six times.

After eight rounds of Serie A matches, four out of the Nerazzurri’s 14 goals have come from players who started the match on the bench. It’s a stat that means Mazzarri’s bench is the most prolific in the Italian top flight. Guarin has scored twice after coming on as a substitute, whilst Hernanes and Osvaldo have one apiece. There’s a similar trend in the Europa League, too; Icardi has two goals off the bench whilst D’Ambrosio has one.

The Nerazzurri have a great record against Sampdoria at home – in the last 14 meetings between the two sides, Inter have racked up eight wins and six draws. The last time the Genoese outfit recorded a victory at the San Siro came on 15 December 1996, when Sampdoria ran out 3-4 winners in Serie A. Vincenzo Montella was among the goals for the Blucerchiati, bagging a brace alongside strikes from Franceschetti and Mancini. The Nerazzurri’s goals were provided by Berti and a Branca double.

Siniša Mihajlović’s Sampdoria side are unbeaten in their last ten matches, taking into account both the end of last season and the first eight rounds of this. The record stands at five wins and five draws and stems from 11 May 2014, when they were turned over 2-5 by Napoli at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. More impressive still is the fact that Samp are one of the two remaining unbeaten sides in Serie A this year, alongside Juventus. If they were to avoid defeat tonight at the San Siro, the Blucerchiati would equal their best-ever start by going the first nine games of the season without loss. The other time? The year they won the Scudetto – 1990/91 – when Samp’s first defeat was handed to them by Genoa in the tenth match of the season.

MILAN – It took a last-gasp penalty for Inter to overcome Sampdoria at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza this evening, and it was Mauro Icardi who stepped up to dispatch the decisive spot-kick. The Nerazzurri looked dangerous throughout and created a host of chances, with Kovacic in particularly inspired form. It was a good performance from Inter as a whole, however; the team fought tirelessly throughout and were rewarded late on as Icardi snatched his side the win.

Inter were on the front foot from the off. Kovacic played a great ball through for Palacio, but he elected to pass rather than shoot himself. The Argentine’s ball for Icardi was wayward. Ten minutes later, the Nerazzurri were once again pushing for a goal. This time it was Dodo who crossed in from the left for Hernanes. With his back to goal, the Brazilian set up Palacio, but his effort was right down the middle and Romero could save easily.

Sampdoria were very much in the game, reacting instantly through Obiang. The Spaniard played a dangerous ball into the box and Ranocchia was forced to clear. It was a purple patch for the Blucerchiati, who in the 29th minute caused Inter further problems through Eder. Attacking from the right, the Brazilian put the ball into the box only for Palombo’s strike to sail over Handanovic’s crossbar.

Inter soon came back at the Genoese outfit, Kovacic providing excellent service to Icardi in the box. Maurito attempted his signature back-to-goal move, turning on a sixpence and getting a smart shot away. Romero did excellently to keep it out and prevent Inter from going ahead.

There was time for a scare before the break, as Duncan thrashed a rasping effort off the Nerazzurri crossbar. The San Siro held its breath, but the referee soon brought the half to a close.

The second 45 minutes started with Palacio looking menacing. The Argentine got a slice of luck to collect a loose ball and work himself into a shooting position, but his effort fizzed wide. Sampdoria stood firm and once again troubled the Nerazzurri, Gabbiadini’s powerful shot forcing Handanovic into a low save.

Hernanes soon made way for Kuzmanovic, who almost made an instant impact. Receiving the ball from Palacio, the Serb was unable to get a meaningful shot away. Kuz was once again involved minutes later, crossing the ball in for Ranocchia to head down to Kovacic, whose shot was disappointing.

On 79 minutes, Palacio had a gilt-edged opportunity to give Inter the lead. Kovacic put a sumptuous ball through for the Argentine, but he couldn’t hit the target. Sampdoria came again, this time through Eder. Handanovic pulled off a fantastic save to deny the Brazilian.

And then, the big moment. Kuzmanovic was pulled back by Romagnoli and, after a few seconds’ deliberation, the referee pointed to the spot. Icardi despatched a perfect penalty, sending the San Siro faithful into raptures.

Inter 1-0 Sampdoria

Scorers: Icardi 90 (pen.)

Inter: 1 Handanovic; 23 Ranocchia, 15 Vidic, 5 Juan Jesus; 20 Obi (Mbaye 78), 88 Hernanes (Kuzmanovic 52), 18 Medel, 10 Kovacic (Krhin 90+3) , 22 Dodo; 8 Palacio, 9 Icardi.
Subs not used: 30 Carrizo, 46 Berni, 6 Andreolli, 28 Puscas, 29 Camara, 54 Donkor, 97 Bonazzoli.
Coach: Walter Mazzarri

Sampdoria: 33 Romero; 29 De Silvestri, 28 Gastaldello (Regini 64), 5 Romagnoli, 3 Mesbah; 6 Duncan (Soriano 71), 17 Palombo, 14 Obiang (Rizzo 90+1); 11 Gabbiadini, 9 Okaka, 23 Eder.
Subs not used: 1 Da Costa, 7 Fedato, 12 Sansone, 18 Bergessio, 32 Marchionni, 44 Fornasier, 77 Wszolek, 86 Cacciatore, 96 Massolo.
Coach: Sinisa Mihajlovic

Referee: Carmine Russo (Nola)

Booked: Gastaldello 21, Kovacic 23, Palombo 48, Medel 81.

Added time: 1+3 mins.

starting lineups

substitutes