Legendary coach Zdenek Zeman has backed Sampdoria to go head-on against Inter Milan for the Scudetto.

"Sampdoria are the ‘Anti-Inter'. They have expressed the best football, even if it will be difficult for them to maintain this rhythm in the hunt for points," Zeman told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's not a surprise. Sampdoria always impose their own play. They can bother anyone. It wouldn't surprise me if they were to shock Juventus."

Zeman also believes Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano should return to the Italy national team and noted his value for his team.

"He is a pure talent, the most important piece for Del Neri. But apart from Cassano and Pazzini, I also very much appreciate Mannini, who is now scoring goals. He is fundamental for the team's balance, the cover and the closing down, as well as being ruthless on the counter attack."

"Every Coach relates his choices to the objectives that he wants to realise with the group.

"Cassano's talent is not up for discussion, and now his characteristics can actually work in function with the team," Zeman concluded.