Gabbiadini inspires high-flying Sampdoria

UC Sampdoria's pus  for a top-three finish this term had a boost at the weekend as they ended Juventus's 25-game winning streak at home in Serie A.

Sampdoria held the champions to a 1-1 draw in Turin. That took them up to fourth place in the standings level on points with third-placed SS Lazio and city rivals Genoa CFC, in fifth.

However, coach Siniša Mihajlović has played down expectations: "It is too early to think about a [UEFA] Champions League spot, but if we stay in the first half of the table for some time then we can start dreaming."

The Bianconeri seemed destined to record their 26th successive home league victory following Patrice Evra notches maiden strike for the leaders, but substitute Manolo Gabbiadini levelled six minutes after the interval, cutting inside before curling a left-footed ffort into the far corner.

"I got really angry when we conceded that goal," said Mihajlović. "It should not be possible to let Evra score with a header, he's quite a short player, I would have substituted eight players at the same time if I could have done it in that moment.

"I was unhappy with the opening 30 minutes of the game, and I told it clearly to my players in the dressing room [at half-time]. After the break they played with a completely different attitude and they did well even though they were playing against a big team like Juventus."

Sampdoria failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage  in 2010/11, losing 5-4 on aggregate to SV Werder Bremen following a fourth-placed finish in Serie A in 2009/10. But, if they keep up the good results in the coming months the dream of playing in the competition proper for the first time could come true."

A bright note this term has been the form of forward Gabbiadini. The 23-year-old is enjoying one of his most productive seasons of his career – notching eight goals in 13 outings in all competitions.

"We know that Manolo is very important for us, he's key player," said Mihajlović. "It seems that a big team is interested in signing him now, but what can I say? We know what we want – and we know that he can play even better than this; I left him on the bench and I think it paid off, because he played with more commitment."

Gabbiadini has registered 17 goals in 48 Serie A outings since joining Sampdoria in 2013 on a co-ownership deal with Juventus. "I am happy, we were able to stop them even if they usually play at their best at home," said the forward. "I could have scored a second goal but [Gianluigi] Buffon saved it, [but] it's OK – I am happy for myself and for the team, for my goal and for the point."