Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero likes to think of himself as an ambitious man but Vito Doria thinks the Blucerchiati’s embarrassing exit from the Europa League must provide him with a serious reality check.
The Doriani restored a little pride after winning 2-0 against Vojvodina in Novi Said, Serbia on Thursday night but they weren’t able to overturn the deficit from the humiliating 4-0 loss in Turin.
After seeing his team miss out on the Europa League play-offs, Ferrero needs to realise that Sampdoria are involved in the business of professional football and not in film productions.
In his first year as Doria president, Ferrero captured the attention of football fans and the media alike with his eccentric personality and lively public presence. Now that the Blucerchiati are out of Europe, any bold claims from Ferrero will now sound like empty promises unless Samp start the up-and-coming Serie A season well.
While Walter Zenga’s job as coach has been under scrutiny after the defeat in Turin, Ferrero must be firm in his decision to either keep him or sack him. Regardless if Zenga stays or if he loses his job, Sampdoria need to improve their squad depth.
The Blucerchiati have missed out on signing playmaker Alberto Aquilani and striker Gregoire Defrel, who have moved to Sporting Clube de Portugal and Sassuolo respectively. Strikers Fabio Borini and Mattia Destro have been linked with the club but they look set to move other Italian teams.
Sampdoria have taken a page from AC Milan’s book in recent years by acquiring free agents Mattia Cassani, Niklas Moisander and Edgar Barreto but they need to add more quality if they want to finish in a respectable league position.
The signing of Antonio Cassano is becoming more likely and his presence is needed in the Samp attack.
Zenga said weeks ago that he didn’t need the enigmatic striker but now a player with his skill is a necessity. Even if the Blucerchiati don’t sign Mario Balotelli from Liverpool, they still need a forward who can be a drawcard and bring an X-factor to the team.
Sampdoria also need to assess the quality of players in their squad and see if they have any long-term benefits.
Angelo Palombo played in defence when Genoa-based club were thrashed in Turin and he was liable for most of the goals. He lacked pace and awareness. The 33-year-old has been a stalwart at the club but he looks a shadow of his former self.
Polish internationals Bartosz Salamon and Pawel Wszolek have been at Sampdoria since 2013 but are they going to have breakthrough campaigns? Both of them are still struggling to get into the starting line-up.
Ferrero bought prodigies Joaquin Correa and Federico Bonazzoli in January but they haven’t played a lot either. Correa suffered an injury in pre-season training but will both of them be given enough competitive experience anyway?
Ferrero needs to be realistic about his team’s goals. He dreams of seeing Sampdoria win their second scudetto but the current squad looks like relegation fodder.
If Ferrero doesn’t make any big moves, there is the likelihood of the Blucerchiati becoming a bigger laughing stock.
