Sampdoria have gone five points clear of the relegation zone in Serie A with 1-0 victory over Bologna at home.

The visitors were on the backfoot right from the start, as Archimede Morleo was dismissed after just five minutes for a professional foul on Mauro Icardi.

However, it was Bologna who had the game's first real chance and it came in the 12th minute when Alberto Gilardino shot over the Samp crossbar.

Two minutes later the Italian striker's attempt from a Marco Motta's cross was saved by Samp goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Pedro Mba Obiang shot off target twice for the home side, before Manolo Gabbiadini fired over the crossbar for Bologna in the 32nd minute.

Icardi could have given Samp the lead soon after had he not failed to keep his shot from Andrea Costa's cross on target.

Daniele Gastaldello saw his close-range header from Enzo Maresca's free kick in the early minutes of the second saved by Bologna goalkeeper Federico Agliardi.

Then just after the hour-mark Andrea Poli combined well with Citadin Eder before shooting past Agliardi into the visitors' goal.

Ten minutes from time Costa shot over for the home side, before Nicolo Cherubin and Cristian Pasquato tried their luck for Bologna but in vain.