Champions League Draw
Aug/100
Sampdoria will face German club Werder Bremen in the Champion League play-off round. The first leg is away in Germany on August 17 or 18 and the return leg is at home on August 24 or 25. The winners will play in the Champions League group stage. The losers of the tie will enter the Europa League.
Samp have played six times against German clubs in European competition, winning twice, drawing three times and losing only once. Werder have met Italian opposition 26 times with nine victories, 11 draws and six defeats. Bremen captain Torsten Frings is looking forward to the clash. “It’s a tough, but good draw,” he said. “Duels between German and Italian clubs are practically classics.”
German international defender Per Mertesacker added: “That is certainly not an easy task. When a team comes fourth in Italy and finishes ahead of Juventus in the league, then that says something.”
JC
Transfer Roundup
Jul/100
It’s still early in the summer transfer window but the Blucerchiati have already completed their first few moves.
Nicola Pozzi‘s loan from Empoli has been made permanent. The striker spent half of last season on loan at the Marassi and even took Antonio Cassano’s place in the team for a time.
Goalkeeper Gianluca Curci has been brought in from Siena to replace the now departed Marco Storari and Luca Castellazzi. Curci had been co-owned by Siena and Roma. Samp have bought Siena’s 50% and now co-own the player with the Giallorossi. “From relegation to the Champions League. I’ll be honest, I never expected such a sudden leap,” confessed the 24-year-old. “I must thank Sampdoria for this great opportunity.”
Marius Stankevičius has returned from his loan spell at Sevilla.
Striker Simone Zaza has been signed from Atalanta. 19-year-old Zaza has been capped by Italy up to under-19 level.
JC
Transfer Rumours
Jun/100
According to the German tabloid Bild, Sampdoria are considering making an offer for highly rated Serbian international midfielder Gojko Kacar. Kacar is currently at Hertha Berlin.
The 23-year-old is said to be eager to move to a bigger club this summer and Hertha are reportedly ready to cash in on him.
Hertha have supposedly set a €10 million asking price for Kacar. The Blucerchiati face stiff competition from clubs such as Wolfsburg, Hamburg, Juventus and Milan in the race for Kacar’s signature.
According to Spanish daily sports newspaper Marca, Real Madrid attacking midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has also attracted the interest of Sampdoria.
Manchester United are also said to be interested in the Dutchman.
Juve_curr
Siena confirm Sampdoria move for keeper Curci
Jun/100
Siena are releasing Roma goalkeeper Gianluca Curci to Sampdoria.
New Siena chief Giorgio Perinetti announced yesterday Curci is leaving the relegated outfit for Samp.
He revealed: “Yes, it’s already defined. The player wanted to stay in Serie A, Sampdoria came in with the offer that even allows him to play in the Champions League.
“We lose an important player and hope to replace him adequately. We sold our half to Sampdoria, who now shares him with Roma.”
Inter capture Castellazzi
Jun/100
Serie A champions Inter Milan have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Luca Castellazzi.
The experienced goalkeeper will become a free agent at the end of the month, with his contract at Sampdoria due to expire on 30th June.
He will then be heading for Giuseppe Meazza, with a deal having already been put in place.
The 34-year-old is set to leave Sampdoria after five years in Genoa, during which time he made almost 100 appearances for the club.
He is unlikely to see much first-team action at Inter, with Julio Cesar the recognised No.1, but he will be joining a team that landed an unprecedented Treble last season.
Details
Such a proposal has proven to be too good to turn down, with Castellazzi’s representative claiming a two-year deal is now waiting to be signed.
“I met Marco Branca (Inter’s sporting director) and we have arranged all the details,” Adriano Rebuffi told fcinternews.it.
“The contract is for two years, with Inter having the option to take up a third year.
“We are very happy as this is what we wanted. Luca is currently away on vacation, but he has been informed of everything.”
Di Carlo: Pazzini & Palombo not for sale
May/100
Mimmo Di Carlo’s first words as Sampdoria boss will have been reassuring to Blucerchiati fans.
When asked if Angelo Palombo or Giampaolo Pazzini would be following Gigi Del Neri and Beppe Marotta to Turin, he replied:
“The President has already declared that they are not for sale.”
The tactician also spoke with excitement about his new adventure.
“It’s an honour to be here. I felt incredible joy last night when I was given the okay to complete the move. It’s an honour to be here and the Champions League will be a fantastic stage to play on. We’ll always give our best.”
Finally, he commented on Antonio Cassano.
“He is an important player and I want our relationship to be clear from day one. Our bond will grow and I’m sure he’ll have a great season as he will want to break into the Italy side for the European Championship.”
Juve_curr
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