Lazio beats Sampdoria 2-0 to boost European hopes

MILAN (AP) — Lazio boosted its Europa League hopes as it eased to a 2-0 win over Sampdoria in Serie A on Sunday, despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.

Antonio Candreva broke the deadlock three minutes from halftime when he slotted home from close range after great work down the right flank from teenage forward Keita Balde.

Lucas Biglia was dismissed following a second booking shortly before the hour mark but Lazio doubled its lead in the 73rd minute when Senad Lulic smashed Stefano Mauri's pullback under the bar.

Lazio moved provisionally into sixth place, a point above Parma which hosts third-placed Napoli in the evening kickoff.

Atalanta is two points below Lazio and plays last-but-one Sassuolo.