Newcastle’s pre-season friendly with Sampdoria represents a match up between two sides with striking similarities. Both clubs have come off disappointing seasons, both clubs have looked to new managers and both have a derby to look forward to next season after their closest rivals promotion to the top flight for this coming season. Although Sampdoria’s standing in football has taken a few backwards steps in the last decade, it will still be considerable scalp for Sam Allardyce’s men if Newcastle can come out on top against a side who’s season has already started, thanks to the Intertoto cup.

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