Genoa have recaptured some lost momentum at just the right time with a clash at city rivals Sampdoria coming up today.

The Grifoni ended a seven-match winless run with a 1-0 triumph at Lazio earlier this month and followed that result with a 5-2 demolition of Verona last Sunday.

That win lifted Genoa above Sampdoria in the standings and into sixth place, with both teams on 35 points.

“We arrive at the derby in the best possible form,” Genoa captain Nicolas Burdisso told Sky Italia. “Results are going our way and we have a great position in the standings.

“Now we hope to give our fans some joy by winning a game that means so much to them and to us.”

Sampdoria have yet to lose at the Luigi Ferraris stadium this season. The Blucerchiati have enjoyed a strong campaign but have suffered a drop in form of late.

Sampdoria have not come out on the winning side since January 18 and have collected two points since.

Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Chievo was Samp’s fourth reverse of the campaign.

“We are going through a delicate time but my players are training hard,” coach Sinisa Mihajlovic said.

“I’m convinced that we will play a great derby.”

Sampdoria won 1-0 at Genoa in the Lantern derby in September thanks to a goal from Manolo Gabbiadini, who moved to Napoli last month.

The hosts welcome back striker Stefano Okaka from suspension and he will partner the team’s leading scorer, Citadin Eder, in attack.