Sampdoria had 47 per cent possession and created seven chances to the visitors’ 12.
Facundo Gonzalez Molino put Sampdoria ahead in the 22nd minute, heading in a corner from close range.
Augustin Albarez doubled their lead in the 33rd with a low shot from distance.
It was a very different story in the second half as Antonio Palumbo brought Modena back to within one goal in the 59th.
Palumbo slotted home a penalty awarded for a handball initially missed by the referee but picked up by VAR.
Modena were awarded another penalty in the 82nd minute for a clumsy foul. Palumbo stepped up again and made no mistake, tying up the score.
Modena are ninth on the table but are on equal points with Brescia in eighth.
Sampdoria are 15th, five points above the relegation playoff zone.
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