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.