Sampdoria steeled for Hertha test

UC Sampdoria coach Walter Novellino has described Wednesday's UEFA Cup encounter with Hertha BSC Berlin as "the most important match of our season". The Italian side currently lie second in a congested Group C and a win would take them to the brink of the knockout stages.

Flachi returns
Novellino is still without midfield player Angelo Palombo, who is recovering from a knee injury and will be replaced by Samuele Dalla Bona. Giulio Falcone should be preferred to Marcello Castellini in defence, while goalkeeper Luca Castelazzi replaces Francesco Antonioli. Meanwhile, Francesco Flachi returns in attack alongside Emiliano Bonazzoli starting the 2-0 defeat at Cagliari Calcio on Sunday on the substitutes' bench.

'Hertha are strong'
"There is no doubt that this is the most important match of our season so far," Novellino said. "We want to qualify for the next round and three points would be crucial. Hertha are a strong side but they will come up against very determined opponents." Four teams have four points in Group B: Sampdoria, Hertha, FC Steaua Bucuresti and RC Lens. All know a win would probably be enough to take see them earn a coveted top-three place.

Substitute Gilberto
Brazilian midfield player Gilberto returns to the Hertha squad following a recent ankle injury, but will have to settle for a place on the bench. "He will not play from the start," confirmed coach Falko Götz. Dick van Burik (concussion) and Pál Dárdai (groin) are also sidelined.

'Courageous display'
"We have every chance to book our ticket for the next round at Sampdoria. We expect a very difficult match, but we will not hide. Instead, we want a courageous display like the way Lens played when they collected a point at our stadium," said Götz, who has just extended his contract with the club until 2008.