Sampdoria held to a 1-1 draw at Lazio in a game where both teams finished with 10 men, Sampdoria lost ground on Inter Milan at the top of Serie A.Sampdoria needed a win to join Inter on 19 points at the top but despite taking the lead through Giampaolo Pazzini, they were pegged back by a goal from Francesco Matuzalem.
The Serie A Champions Inter Milan lead Sampdoria by two points having thrashed Genoa 5-0 on Saturday while Juventus and Fiorentina, who drew 1-1 in Turin, are a further two points behind.
The visitors went in front on 40 minutes when Marco Padalino, who would later be sent off, crossed for Pazzini to head home.
But only two minutes later, Matuzalem latched onto Tommaso Rocchi's lobbed through ball to shoot across keeper Luca Castellazzi into the far corner.
Padalino was sent off 10 minutes in the second period but Roberto Baronio was then dismissed for Lazio on 73 minutes.
Cassano almost snatched victory for Sampdoria six minutes from time as his long range effort clipped the corner of post and crossbar.
On Saturday, Inter showed they are a forced to be reckoned with as they aim for a fifth straight Italian title with a comprehensive away win.
Goals from Esteban Cambiasso, Mario Balotelli and a stunning volley from the halfway line from Dejan Stankovic had Inter in control at the break before Patrick Vieira and Maicon wrapped things up.
