Alexis Sanchez's first start for Inter Milan was eventful after he opened his account for his new club before being sent off for diving.
The Chile international, who is on loan at the Italian giants from Manchester United, looked like he'd opened the scoring after a powerful shot from Stefano Sensi deflected off him and into the net.
Although it wasn't officially given to Sanchez, who only netted once in the entire 2018/19 Premier League season and five in total during his disastrous time at Old Trafford, there was no doubting the second of the match just two minutes later when he converted from close range.
However, just after half time, Sanchez was then given his marching orders having received a second booking for diving.
His dismissal did not cost the Nerazzurri, however, as they claimed a sixth successive victory to maintain their two-point lead over Juventus at the top of Serie A.
After Sanchez's dismissal - following a yellow card for an apparent dive - Jakub Jankto gave Sampdoria hope, before Roberto Gagliardi added Inter's third.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to injury as Juve kept their grip on second place with a 2-0 win over struggling SPAL.
Miralem Pjanic put the champions in front with a curling strike on the stroke of half-time, and Ronaldo directed home his side's second 12 minutes from time.
Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon made his 903rd appearance in club football, beating the previous record of 902 he shared with Paolo Maldini.
Atalanta strengthened their hold on third place after cruising to a 4-1 win at Sassuolo in the evening kick-off.
Alejandro Gomez scored twice and Robin Gosens and Duvan Zapata also made it onto the scoresheet before the hosts netted a consolation through Gregoire Defrel.
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