Sampdoria were left ruing a string of missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sampdoria in their Serie A match this afternoon.

It was the hosts who created the first big chances of the match as Gregoire Defrel put an effort just wide of the post, while Vasco Regini blasted over the bar.

Sampdoria soon took control and Eder headed Roberto Soriano's cross wide of the far post.

Soriano then dragged an effort narrowly off target, before Eder fired a free kick inches wide on the stroke of half time.

Five minutes into the second half, Hugo Almeida forced Sergio Romero to punch away his powerful strike, before Soriano crashed an effort against the post moments later.

On the hour mark, it was Cesena who broke the deadlock, as Stefano Lucchini slotted home from close range after his initial header had been saved.

Sampdoria laid siege to their opponents' goal and were back on level terms in the 77th minute when Constantin Nica turned a cross into his own net.

The hosts almost restored their lead two minutes later when Emmanuel Cascione's powerful free kick beat the keeper, but came crashing off the bar.

In the final moments, Sampdoria twice came close to winning the game when Sansone rattled the post and Gonzalo Bergessio was denied by Nicola Leali, but neither side could score a decisive third.