Sampdoria coach Domenico Di Carlo is hoping the home crowd can help his side against Lazio.

The Genoa-based outfit head into the encounter on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Werder Bremen this week which saw the Germans progress to the group stages of the Champions League.

Di Carlo's men will have to settle for Europa League football this season and will now focus their attention on the domestic competition.

"Despite the loss, against Werder I saw the Samp team that I like," said Di Carlo. "I saw the team that played a great campaign last season, with solid performances and character and with two champions like Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini providing the inspiration.

"We now must give continuity to our play and improve."

Samp will be hoping to repeat last year's formidable start to the season which saw them win five of their opening six league games.

However, the home fans have reason to be wary for Samp have not won an opening league game at the Luigi Ferraris stadium since 1997.

Lazio, meanwhile, look to leave behind last season's dismal campaign which saw the Romans finish a disappointing 12th.

Lazio coach Edy Reja's demands for new blood were heard this summer as six new players arrived.

"We had difficulties last season but now we are enthusiastic," said Reja.

"There is a new, positive air and this season, we have a great motivation."