Serie A: Sampdoria back on track with 4-1 victory over Udinese

Roberto Soriano struck twice as Sampdoria halted a six-match winless run with a 4-1 triumph at Udinese on Sunday to boost their European qualifying hopes.

Soriano put the visitors ahead in the 25th minute and Udinese came close to equalising before the hour but Silvan Widmer's header found the woodwork.

Midfielder Soriano doubled his team's advantage soon after and Afriyie Acquah made it 3-0 in the 80th minute.

Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale scored a consolation goal from the penalty spot seven minutes later before Alfred Duncan wrapped up the win one minute from time.

The outcome, Samp's first victory since March 22, has boosted their chances of European qualification with teams down to ninth still having a realistic chance of making the Europa League.

Udinese ensured Serie A safety in the previous round.

Samp dominated possession and went ahead when Pawel Wszolek set up Soriano in the area and his left-footed strike from six yards beat Orestis Karnezis.

Udinese almost pulled level on the stroke of half-time but Panagiotis Kone's header from Di Natale's cross went over the crossbar.

Samp continued to press forward after the break and in the 51st minute Duncan's left-footed attempt stunned Karnezis but rebounded off the near post.

Eight minutes later and Widmer headed Ivan Piris' cross past Sampdoria goalkeper Emiliano Viviano only to see his effort denied by the woodwork.

Samp made it 2-0 soon after when Udinese's defence failed to clear a corner leaving Soriano with an easy tap-in.

The visitors continued their attacking display and hit again in the 80th minute.

A fast break saw Acquah carry the ball from his own half into Udinese's area and strike a 12-yard shot past Karnezis.

With four minutes remaining, the referee pointed to the spot after Viviano brought down Di Natale in the box.

Viviano guessed correctly but could not stop Di Natale's powerful spot-kick from finding the back of the net.

Samp had time for one more.

Luis Muriel set up Ducan in the box and his left-footed shot beat Karnezis.