Gigi Del Neri leads Sampdoria into a Genoa derby for the first time imploring his team to enjoy the atmosphere and play with freedom.

Fourth-placed Sampdoria opened the season with five wins in the first six matches, but a 5-1 loss at Juventus sparked a three-match winless run.

However, Del Neri's side returned to winning ways with a 2-1 defeat of Chievo last weekend and the coach has encouraged his team to play for three points in the city derby tomorrow.

He told the club's website, sampdoria.it: "With 24 points in the standings, we can take the field bright and without pressure.

"Had we only 15 points it would be different. We will play for only one result - victory."

Del Neri believes the result is crucial to Sampdoria's season.

"It's a derby, which I put at the same level as a cup final," he added.

"The derby is a competition in itself and we'll give the maximum to win."

Del Neri dismissed suggestions Sampdoria are too reliant on Antonio Cassano, citing September's 1-0 win over defending champions and Serie A leaders Inter as an example.

"If Cassano is heavily marked, someone else will be free," said Del Neri.

"Inter have also tried to stop Antonio, but then in the decisive move (Giampaolo) Pazzini was able to go and score, giving us victory."

Genoa will provide a stern test for Sampdoria, Del Neri said.

"We know that Genoa in front of their home crowd are a very formidable team, but obviously we are hoping to be able to be celebrating at the end.

"Someone pointed out that Genoa have the worst defensive record in the championship, but I counter that by saying that even the best attack don't score in every game."

Cassano is named in the 22-man squad for the contest, but Franco Semioli is out with a shoulder injury, while Vasco Regini and Salvatore Foti are both also out.

Genoa boss Gian Piero Gasperini hopes his seventh-placed side can bounce back from last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Livorno.

Gasperini's side are seeking a seventh win of the Serie A season and a fifth at their Stadio Luigi Ferraris home.

"Earlier this week, the mood was not the best," he admitted to the club's website, genoacfc.it.

"Slowly, we woke up and tomorrow we will be in better condition, physically and mentally.

"It will probably be a more enjoyable match for their fans, even if there is a downside.

"The derby, as reflected in the standings, will be close and a game difficult to predict."