Last-gasp Zapata goal seals dramatic win over Bologna

Duvan Zapata scored in the third minute of second-half stoppage time to give Sampdoria a 1-0 victory over Bologna on Wednesday night – and keep Marco Giampaolo’s men in the hunt for a place in next season’s Europa League.

Samp dominated for long periods at Marassi, enjoying their first chance on 12 minutes as Gianluca Caprari won the ball back in a dangerous position before curling a decent effort just wide. Next to threaten was young Dawid Kownacki, who – slipped in by Fabio Quagliarella on the left side of the box – fired a whipped shot just high and wide of the far post.

Doria’s best chance of the first half came on the half-hour mark. On finding himself in behind the Bologna defence, Quagliarella showed all of his experience by neatly sashaying around Antonio Mirante only to see his tight finish cleared off the line by the sliding Simone Romagnoli.

The match became somewhat cagey after the break, as Samp pushed for the all-important goal and Bologna looked to take advantage on the break. There were more chances for Roberto Donadoni’s visitors, with Simone Verdi firing one effort just over the bar.

With Zapata on for Kownacki to freshen up the attack, Doria almost conceded in the oddest circumstances after an air-kick from Emiliano Viviano sent him scrambling back to get the ball before it rolled over the line. To the relief of almost everyone inside Marassi, he did.

Gaston Ramirez and Valerio Verre were sent on by Giampaolo, in place of Caprari and Karol Linetty respectively, as Samp continued to stream forward. Zapata had Marassi on its feet on 87 minutes, acrobatically hooking the ball towards the target with his back to goal only to see the woodwork come to Bologna’s rescue.

Quagliarella headed narrowly over as the seconds ticked away, but there was one last trick up Samp’s sleeve. Deep into stoppage time, a lofted free-kick found its way to Zapata in the middle of the Bologna box. As the defenders swarmed around him, the Colombian stretched forward and poked the ball towards goal – all 22 players, and everyone in the stadium, watched as it bobbled over the line and into the back of the net.

The final whistle blew soon afterwards, confirming a win that sees Samp move up to 51 points for the season.

Sampdoria 1-0 Bologna (HT: 0-0)
Scorers: Zapata 90+3.

Sampdoria (4-3-1-2): Viviano; Bereszynski, Silvestre, Ferrari, Strinic; Praet, Torreira, Linetty (Verre 83); Caprari (Ramirez 69); Kownacki (Zapata 59), Quagliarella.
Subs not used: Belec, Tozzo, Andersen, Sala, Barreto, Alvarez, Regini, Capezzi.
Coach: Marco Giampaolo.

Bologna (3-5-2): Mirante; Gonzalez, S. Romagnoli, Helander; Di Francesco (Orsolini 90), Dzemaili, Crisetig, Nagy, Masina (Keita 63); Avenatti, Verdi (Palacio 78).
Subs not used: Da Costa, Ravaglia, Krafth, De Maio, Brignani, Mbaye, Poli, Falletti.
Coach: Roberto Donadoni.

Referee: Manganiello.
Assistants: Posado, Longo.
Fourth official: Rapuano.
VAR: Giacomelli.
VAR assistant: Tasso.

Yellow cards: Masina 39, Silvestre 54, Crisetig 84, Palacio 85.

Added time: 1 + 3 minutes.