Quagliarella, 39, scores twice to boost Sampdoria survival bid

The former Juventus striker had only scored once this season, a penalty in October, but he rediscovered his form at a crucial time with goals in the 14th and 29th minutes allowing Samp to move to 15th place in the table, five points above the drop zone.

"These are three very important points. There's a long way to go in the championship but this victory gives us confidence," the veteran striker told DAZN. "I realise that I am a certain age but I will give everything and my last drop of sweat for this shirt," added Quagliarella who has been on the scoresheet for the last 18 consecutive years in Serie A.

With 180 goals in the league from a career which has also taken in Torino, Ascoli, Udinese and Napoli, he is Serie A's leading active scorer.

Ciro Immobile, 31, who has 19 goals this season for Lazio, is not far behind on 174 goals.