Heavy rain leads to Genoa derby postponement

Rome: Heavy rain in Genoa on Saturday forced the postponement of the `Derby della Lanterna` between city rivals Sampdoria and Genoa in Italy`s Serie A.

The match, set to kick off at 1945 GMT, was initially delayed for 15 minutes by match officials while groundsmen worked on the waterlogged pitch.

However after a 20-minute delay, match referee Gianluca Rocchi appeared on the pitch of the Stadio Luigi Ferraris with the captains of both sides. His efforts to roll the ball more than a few metres, or to bounce it, were fruitless.

The match was postponed and, weather permitting, could now be played on Sunday afternoon at 1400 GMT.