Pasquale Marino`s side battled hard at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris, despite being outplayed for long periods, but were eventually undone by Cristian Zenoni`s goal 20 minutes into the second half.

The result leaves Catania fearing for their Serie A future. They are just one point and two places above the relegation zone heading into the final game of the season next weekend when they meet fellow strugglers Chievo at the neutral venue of Bologna.

It has been a troubled season for Catania, who were promoted to the top flight last summer.

It all started so well but has turned into something of an ordeal since the much-documented death of policeman Filippo Raciti on February 2 during fighting between Catania and Palermo fans in a derby match.

They arrived in Genoa buoyed by their 1-1 draw against Champions League finalists AC Milan last weekend but immediately found themselves on the back foot.

Angelo Palombo had the first effort on goal after two minutes while Catania goalkeeper Armando Pantanelli had to scramble across his line four minutes later to keep out a Gennaro Delvecchio header.

The onslaught continued, Fabio Quagliarella shooting wide and Pantanelli saving well to deny Daniele Franceschini.

Sampdoria`s frustration grew further after 19 minutes when Delvecchio`s shot struck the post and bounced to safety.

It took Catania until the stroke of half-time to register a shot on goal and even that was off target with Fabio Caserta`s effort flying wide.

The second half continued in a similar vein with Catania fighting for their lives in the face of concerted Samp pressure.

The outstanding Pantanelli denied Sergio Volpi and Christian Maggio then fired a shot which flew just over the bar.

After Delvecchio came close again, Walter Novellino`s men finally got the goal they so richly deserved.

Volpi launched a counter-attack which culminated in a neat ball to Zenoni and he made no mistake with a crisp finish into the bottom right corner from just outside the area.

Catania finally emerged from their defensive shell after going behind and frantically sought an equaliser.

Giorgio Corona lined up an effort after 77 minutes which flew just to the left of goal while Samp keeper Luca Castellazzi produced his first save of the afternoon four minutes later to keep out Vinicio Cesar`s header.

Samp rallied and came again late on but Reto Ziegler twice shot wide when well placed.

Catania`s afternoon went from bad to worse when substitute Cristian Silvestri was sent off in the final minute for a needless elbow on Mirko Pieri.

The victory moved Samp up to ninth but it is not be enough for them to challenge the European places and the future of Novellino remains unclear with Italy`s World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi this week linked with the post.