An early Roberto Soriano goal was enough for Sampdoria to sink Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy in front of 55,000 at the Camp Nou.
Barca boss Tito Vilanova opted to select what was virtually the club’s B team, given La Blaugrana had played just 48 hours earlier in the 5-1 victory over Real Sociedad, and they were behind within two minutes through Soriano’s diving header.
With both sides happy to retain possession goal opportunities were few and far between, although former Barca striker Maxi Lopez forced Jose Pinto into a superb save and Gerard Deulofeu saw a shot fly over the visitors’ bar.
The Italians could have doubled their advantage in the second half when Nicola Pozzi’s effort struck a post, but with the game becoming more of an exhibition match they hung on to claim the prestigious trophy.
Barcelona: Pinto; Montoya, Fontas, Bartra, Planas; Dos Santos, Espinosa, Sergi Roberto, Deulofeu; Villa, Afellay.
Also played: Sergi Gomez, Patric, Roman, Oier, Lobato, Ilie, Grimaldo, Dongou.
Sampdoria: Romero; Gastaldello, Rossini, Costa, Berardi; Tissone, Soriano, Obiang; Juan Antonio, Estigarribia, Maxi.
Also played: Castellini, Renan, Pozzi, Kristicic, Mustafi, Munari, Sampietro.
Referee: Teixeira Vitienes (Spa)
