French striker Gregoire Defrel fired Sampdoria to a 2-1 Serie A win over SPAL.

Defrel’s fifth league goal of the season sealed the points for the hosts, who had to fight their way back from an early one-goal deficit.

Karol Linetty bagged his first Serie A goal since Sampdoria’s 4-1 win over Chievo on October 29, 2017 to put the home side back on level terms, after Alberto Paloschi had handed SPAL the early lead.

Fabio Quagliarella set up both goals for Sampdoria, first heading into Linetty’s path for the midfielder to drill home, before later laying on the winner for striker Defrel.

SPAL slipped to their third straight defeat in a frustrating loss having gained the early lead, but could have few protestations in truth, with Sampdoria improving throughout the contest and Quagliarella unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself.