Serie A: Sampdoria's Champions League hopes take another hit

Sampdoria lost further ground in the race for a spot in next season's Champions League after being held at home to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo on Sunday.

Francesco Acerbi gave Sassuolo a second-minute lead but Eder pulled Samp level seven minutes later.

Samp had several chances to win the game at the Luigi Ferraris stadium but were denied by great saves from visiting goalkeeper Andrea Consigli.

The outcome in Genoa extended Samp's winless run in Serie A to three games and has left the Blucerchiati in fifth place, seven points adrift of third-place Napoli, who won 3-1 against Udinese.

Sassuolo remain 11th in the standings, 11 points clear of the drop zone.

Samp went into the game looking to make amends for last weekend's 5-1 defeat at Torino.

The visitors, without pivotal strikers Simone Zaza, Domenico Berardi and Nicola Sansone, all suspended, could not have asked for a better start.

Acerbi got behind Sime Vrsaljko's cross and his powerful header beat Sampdoria goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano.

Sassuolo's joy was short-lived as Samp hit back seven minutes later.

Eder nodded Roberto Soriano's cross past Consigli and into the back of the net to pull the hosts level.

Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco was forced to make his first substitution in the 14th minute with Marcello Gazzola replacing an injured Vrsaljko.

It did not affect his side, who almost took a 2-1 lead before the interval.

Paolo Cannavaro spotted Sergio Floccari in the heart of the area but his right-footed strike was saved by Viviano.

Samp looked more dangerous after the restart and in the 63rd minute, Pedro Obiang set up Eder in the box but his close-range shot was kept out by Consigli.

Samuel Eto'o entered the game in the 69th minute for his home debut and received a standing ovation from the home crowd.

Consigli was called on again to deny Samp with six minutes remaining.

Eder fed Soriano in the area but his goal-bound attempt was saved by Consigli.