Europa League Special Part 5: Contenders for the trophy – UC Sampdoria
Unione Calcio Sampdoria
History: Sampdoria is a Genoa based football club playing in the Italian Serie A. The club was formed as a result of a merger between two clubs Sampierdarenese and Andrea Doria. The team dons a blue and white jersey with red and black hoops;
colours taken from the two merging clubs, thus earning the nickname blucerchiati. Sampdoria and CFC Genoa share the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and the match the two Genoa based teams play is known as the Derby della Lanterna. The Derby is one of the most anticipated
fixtures in the Serie A calendar and renowned for the breathtaking atmosphere the stadium presents on the match day.
Sampdoria has had its fair share of relegations and only cemented its place as a Serie A club after their promotion from Serie B in 2002. The club has only won one Scudetto so far in their history. On European front, the club won the Cup winners’ Cup in
1990. Their biggest achievement however remains the UEFA Champions League final loss to FC Barcelona in 1992.
Sampdoria finished 4th last season in the Serie A rankings but failed to qualify for the Champions League this season after their qualifying defeat to Werder Bremen.
Preferred Formation: 4-4-2
Defence: Sampdoria has young and reliable Gianluca Curci in the goal. The young goalkeeper has made a hatful of appearances for the Italy U21 and has even featured as a backup to Gianluigi Buffon for the Azzurri. The centre back partnership
of Stefano Lucchini and Daniele Gastaldello is decent but they played together since 2007 and thus form a reliable pair. Swiss international Reto Ziegler is going from strong to stronger with each passing year and has the ability to test the opposition defence
with his runs. Luciano Zauri is a seasoned player with plenty of experience and can be relied on to perform.
Midfield: Palermo has a highly talented midfield. The central midfield partnership of Angelo Palombo and Andrea Poli is one of the best in the league. Poli in particular is a highly sought after talent. Daniele Dessena and experienced midfielder
Paolo Sammarco provide quality cover. Daniele Mannini, Stefano Guberti, Franco Semioli and Marco Padalino are all versatile players and put in good shifts as wide men.
Attack: Sampdoria have a fearsome partnership of Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini up front. The world class duo can score past any defence in the world. Nicola Pozzi is a good back up to have as the youngster is giving his more illustrious
team mates a run for their money. Starlet Guido Marilungo has recently signed a five year contract with the club, outlining the faith the club has in its potential. The youngster will be eager to impress if given the chance.
The one key player: Antonio Cassano is the creative fulcrum of this Sampdoria team. He is one of the best players in the world on his day. Il Talentino di Bari will be responsible for creating most of the goals and must score a handful himself
for Sampdoria to progress in the competition.
Chances: Sampdoria has a good squad, one that can put in world class displays when in form. Sampdoria are unlikely to win a Champions League spot this season. The club hardly reinforced over the summers and likes of Palermo and Genoa will
be in a better position to finish fourth at the end of the season. Domenico Di Carlo will take the competition seriously and will look to go as far as possible. Lack of defensive cover will hurt Sampdoria deep in to the competition.
Prediction: Sampdoria to make it to the Semi-finals.
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