Sampdoria: Up or Down for the Genoa side

After a great season in 2007/2008 in Serie A, Sampdoria got left behind this season. A quiet mercato last year did them little favours as they failed to repeat their 6th place finish and instead fell to 13th. It was perhaps always unlikely that they would do that, but to slip outside the top ten must be slightly dissapointing for the Doria faithful. Much of this was down to a dismal start to the season. They did improve as the campaign progressed as registered great wins over Milan, Sevilla and Inter in the Coppa Italia. Indeed, they played a great final match against Lazio in what was effect an away match at the Stadio Olimpico. As a Lazio fan the win gave me much joy, but I acknowledge the part Sampdoria played in the final, and the competition as a whole.

Positives for Sampdoria

The main positive is that they now have one of the best forward lines in Italy as a whole. Pazzini and Cassano have been outstanding. Pazzini has finally been given the opportunity to showcase his emense talents. Frozen out at Fiorentina, he seized the chance to play for a weaker side in Sampdoria, and has made his partnership with Cassano one of the most lethal and entertaining to watch in Italy, if not Europe. Additionally, the emergence of Guido Marilungo has given Doria fans more to shout about and his goals in the latter part of last season will perhaps give manager Del Neri the headache of factoring him into the team. The negatives is that the midfield perhaps could do with some additional creativity. Daniel Dessena has begun to show the promise that he carries and at the tender age of 22 could build on the 25 games and quality he showed this season. No doubt Angelo Palombo carries the midfield with his grit and determination, but generally it has not been enough when playing the other sides competing for Europa league and Champions league places, as their double derby defeats confirmed.

What to expect next season

So long as they start well and build upon what they have, then they should finish inside the top ten. That being said it will not be easy, Palermo, Genoa, Lazio and Udinese will be looking for Europa League football whilst Cagliari have shown they are a quality side. Napoli also are responding from a dissapointing season. Still, if Pazzini and Cassano keep firing in the goals then they have every chance, providing of course the latter stays.


Next on all things calcio: Palermo season review, Lazio season review, Genoa season review