Mazzarri cast doubt over his future a week ago by questioning the club's ambition and adding that he wanted to sit down and talk with the Genovese club about the terms of his contract, which expires in 2009.

With Lazio thought to be looking for a successor for Delio Rossi after a disappointing campaign, the rumour mill has been turning with Mazzarri at the centre of it.

This has overshadowed what could be a record-breaking season for the Blucerchiati, perhaps tarnishing Mazzarri's reputation among the fans beyond repair.

General manager Bepe Marotta said: "I know that a lot of people have not been happy with what he has said. I hope Mazzarri will soon be able to explain his thoughts.

"Certainly, I cannot forcefully keep anybody here and weddings have to be between two people. I cannot deny that this whole issue has annoyed me a lot. An extraordinary year is coming to an end and nothing should obscure that."

Marotta fears the fans at a packed Luigi Ferraris Stadium on Saturday could turn against the coach, who on Friday moved to allay their fears he will leave after just a year in charge.

He said: "I thank the fans for their support because they have got behind us even in the few difficult moments. I agree that you need two people for a marriage too and, for that, you need to be in agreement over the plans.

"From my side, I can say that I am completely open and happy to meet with the club to talk about the future of Sampdoria and clear up any misunderstandings from last week."

Nevertheless, there should be a party atmosphere in Genoa on Saturday, as two sides who have both reached their respective targets for the season meet.

While Samp will discuss their aims for next season in the aftermath of this weekend's clash, Juventus are already clear of where they want to go next year.

Coach Claudio Ranieri: "Juventus have always got to be challenging to win. We want to be in the race for the Scudetto and we need to get even closer to the others and be able to compete on several fronts.

"I want to get a good result against a Sampdoria side who deserve to have clinched a place in the UEFA Cup."

Ranieri has confirmed that Gianluigi Buffon will be rested for this final game of the season, to leave him in the best possible condition to join the Italy national team for Euro 2008.

Striker Alessandro Del Piero also wants to be part of the squad which Italy coach Roberto Donadoni names next week, while David Trezeguet still harbours some hope of making it for France.

Both could send out a message by scoring on Saturday and moving clear of Genoa's Marco Borriello in the race for the Capocannoniere award.

Ranieri added: "I do not know if Trezeguet or Del Piero will win the goalscoring award, but the important thing is that we win. I would be happy if they both win it together."

Zdenek Grygera, Mauro Camoranesi and Antonio Nocerino are all suspended for the Bianconeri. Samp are without Claudio Bellucci and Stefano Lucchini, who were operated upon in Antwerp for an Achilles tendon and ankle ligament injury respectively.