Describing a fixture at the beginning of February as the proverbial last chance saloon may seem somewhat premature, but there is no more fitting way to contextualise Sampdoria’s plight.

And, truth be told, the Blucerchiati have been regulars at this particular establishment in this dismal season. Fellow strugglers have come and gone, but Samp remain at the table with all their sorrows.

Winless in 14 matches, Sampdoria are 16th in Serie B, just four points clear of bottom dwellers Cosenza, who visit Marassi on Saturday afternoon.

The numbers paint a grim picture for Samp, who have the second-worst defence in the division with 35 goals conceded in 23 matches and have dropped an astonishing 21 points from winning positions this season.

The 2-2 draw away at Mantova last week was the latest entry in a litany of wasted chances, with Sampdoria taking a two-goal lead courtesy of Fabio Depaoli’s quick-fire brace, only to concede twice in three second half minutes and having to settle for a point.

The draw means Leonardo Semplici, who became the club’s third manager this season when he replaced Andrea Sottil in December, is yet to taste victory in charge of the Genoese club.

“We’re in a difficult position, there’s no denying it,” the 57-year-old said.

“I’m the third coach to take charge this season.

“We need to focus on each game as it comes, trying to stay positive even though it’s a challenge. It’s my job to change the negative atmosphere.”

In a bid to finally jolt their season into life, Samp have been active in the transfer window this month.

Former Torino and AC Milan striker M’Baye Niang arrived on a free transfer from Moroccan side Wydad FC and made his first start in the draw against Mantova, which also saw the debuts of centre-back Marco Curto – who will miss Saturday’s fixture through suspension – and midfielder Remi Oudin, who arrived on loan from Como and Lecce respectively.

The trio joined fellow loanees Samuele Perisan and Pietro Beruatto, who signed from Empoli and Pisa until the end of the season.

“It’s clear that we’ve agreed with the club to strengthen the team during the transfer window,” Semplici added.

“We’re working hard on it, we’re optimistic.”

Semplici’s optimism could swiftly turn to pessimism is Sampdoria fail to beat Cosenza on Saturday. Winless in the last 10 matches, the Calabrians have had a torrid season themselves, but would be out of the relegation zone if it wasn’t for the four-point deduction they received at the beginning of the season for “administrative irregularities”.

The Lupi have certainly not given up the fight. While they may not have won a game since November 9, over the past two months they held promotion-chasing Pisa and high-flying Catanzaro to draws away from home and led away against league leaders Sassuolo with four minutes to go, before losing 2-1.

Conversely, Cosenza have often been their own worst enemy, racking up a staggering 73 yellow cards in 23 matches and four red cards, both the worst figures in Serie B.

The defeat against Cittadella on Saturday was Cosenza’s third in their last five matches and the second on the bounce and they are rapidly running out of time to save their season.

Just like their opponents this weekend.

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