The Blucerchiati added two useful additions to their ranks during the last few days of the transfer window in the shape of Denmark left-back Simon Poulsen and former Italy under-21 international Enzo Maresca.
Poulsen spent four seasons plying his trade in the Eredivisie with Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, including a title win in 2009, but his time was up and Ciro Ferrara swooped in to take the 27 year-old on a free transfer.
Maresca arrived from Champions League new boys Málaga CF for an estimated fee of €2 million. The 32 year-old journeyman is now at his eighth club after spells in the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the Greek Superleague.
These two signings, along with the likes of Maxi Lopez, Marcelo Estigarribia and Lorenzo Di Silvestri show coach Ciro Ferrara is doing everything he can to ensure La Samp become a Serie A force once more.
More important than any of these however is the retention of Andrea Poli. The 22 year-old central midfielder was widely expected to leave before the transfer window closed and it can’t be stressed enough how big a player he can be for his side this season.
Inter moved in on Poli after a successful loan spell at the San Siro last season but the deal eventually collapsed. Juventus were then expected to bring him to Turin permanently following their co-ownership agreement but ultimately it appears as though Poli will spend the season in Genoa.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero, along with goalscorer Andrea Costa and Brazillian forward Éder enjoyed good games along with Poli.
This victory came against an AC Milan side who, this summer, have lost 39 league titles, 12 domestic cups, 11 Champions Leagues, five World Cups and 649 international caps worth of experience.
Would Sampdoria have won against last year’s Milan? I think not. But this should not negate from a fantastic opening day for Ferrara’s men.
As I mentioned in my last article, I thought it was a little harsh Giuseppe Iachini was replaced after getting his side promoted. Fair enough. Replace him the promising Ciro Ferrara, he assisted Marcelo Lippi in winning the World Cup for Italy in 2006, he must be good, right?
Well, I am baffled to read that Rafa Benitez has recently rejected an approach for Sampdoria because ‘he didn’t like the project’.
First of all, I really hope this approach was made before the appointment of Ferrara as it would be downright disrespectful if not. Secondly, Italian clubs have a track record of changing managers, this is not something I agree with at all, and stories like this do little to help the matter. Finally, surely no-one wants to see Rafa back in Italy following his dismal spell at Inter?
Anyway, back to the football, Sampdoria host Siena on Sunday. Expect Ferrara to put out a more attacking side as the Stadio Luigi Ferraris plays host to a Serie A fixture once more, Poulsen and Maresca could make their debuts with the Dane more likely to get the nod.
Follow Ryan Smith on Twitter: @ryankevsmith
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