Spirited Sampdoria fight back to earn draw

REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy, Aug 30 (AFP) - Newly-promoted Sampdoria battled back from being two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw away to Reggina on Saturday, the first match of the new Italian season.

The home side appeared to be in control after goals from Francesco Cozza and David Di Michele had given the Calabrians a commanding half-time lead.

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But Fabio Bazzani and Aimo Diana struck for Sampdoria in a nine-minute purple patch in the second half to snatch a point for the hard-working Genoans.

The hot and humid conditions took their toll towards the end of an often scrappy match and neither side was able to conjure up a winner for the three points.

Bazzani said the turning point came when Sampdoria coach Walter Avellino brought Francesco Flachi on after the break.

"Flachi gave us push with his enthusiasm," he said. "We knew that they wanted to get off to a good start in front of their own fans but we showed we never give up."

Di Michele admitted Reggina ran out of steam after the first 45 minutes.

"We had a great first half but we had a black-out in the second and looked tired," he said.

"We wanted to put on a good show in the second half but we just didn't have the energy."

Reggina, who survived relegation last season after defeating Atalanta in a two-legged play-off, took the lead in the fifth minute.

A free-kick was awarded to the hosts five yards outside the penalty box and Cozza drove the ball around the defensive wall and into the net off the hand of Sampdoria goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli.

Reggina absorbed a lengthy spell of Sampdoria pressure before doubling their lead four minutes from half-time.

A long ball forward found Di Michele in acres of space and the 27-year-old striker took the ball past the advancing Antonioli and coolly finished from close range.

Sampdoria, back in Serie A after a four-year absence, rallied after the break and halved the deficit in the 64th minute. Flachi's left-wing cross found Bazzani whose firm header gave Emanuele Belardi in the Reggina goal no chance.

The goal shook Reggina who saw their advantage wiped out nine minutes later. Sergi Volpi's free-kick found Diano who rose unmarked to head home the equaliser.

Seven matches take place on Sunday including league title-holders Juventus at home to Empoli while on Monday European champions AC Milan play away to new boys Ancona.

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