For the third time in a row, Sampdoria have hired a former player to coach the side but L’Aeroplanino or ‘The Little Aeroplane’ is different to predecessors Sinisa Mihajlovic and Zenga.
Although Mihajlovic was highly regarded during his playing career in Genoa and Zenga played for two seasons in the mid-1990s, Montella is still admired for his two playing stints with the Doriani from 1996 to 1999 and in 2007-08.
He wanted to play an attacking style of football and for his players to take responsibility for their actions but what eventuated was that Samp’s players were unsure of themselves.
Sampdoria have been strong at home but weak on the road. There have been moments in which Zenga’s side have played some quick, counterattacking football but there have been games in which they have been slow in possession and too cautious for their own good.
Montella’s coaching philosophy contrasts with the defensive solidarity and workhorse mentality of Mihajlovic and the lack of clarity under Zenga. After being sacked by Fiorentina and having his contract terminated, l’Aeroplanino can make his mark at the club that made him a star.
Attacking football has been the trademark of Montella’s teams and Sampdoria’s fans should not expect anything different.
“I really want to be here. My dream was always to coach Sampdoria someday,” Montella said at his presentation at Samp’s training base in Bogliasco.
“We have to enjoy ourselves and try to bring some entertainment to the Sampdoria fans. You know how I like to play and I believe strongly in the principles of the game.
“I don’t like sending messages to the fans as such, but if I am to give one to them then it is simple. I believe we are going to have fun together.”
Montella’s Fiorentina teams were renowned for their attacking play and midfielders like Borja Valero, David Pizarro and Alberto Aquilani thrived in a team that focused heavily on possession.
The downsides of Montella’s reign were that his Viola teams lacked pace without Juan Cuadrado and once Stevan Jovetic and Adem Ljajic left, Mario Gomez and Giuseppe Rossi usually struggled for fitness and form.
Il Doria president Massimo Ferrero talked to Montella in the summer about a move but now the deal is done and the Blucerchiati fans have gotten what they wanted.
If Sampdoria fans could rewrite the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ lyrics, they would say, “We like pleasure not spiked with pain and Vincenzo Montella is our aeroplane. He’s our aeroplane!”