The derby between Sampdoria and Genoa seen by Vincenzo Montella
He played with Genoa in Serie B in 1995-96, and three seasons at Sampdoria (from 1996 to 1999). This is enough to make Vincenzo Montella the most loved and the most hated player in Genoa. Calciomercato.com interviewed him on the eve of the derby between Sampdoria and Genoa.
What do you remember of your season at Genoa?
"I was very happy to play there because I arrived from Serie C. It was an important club and I was very young. I just played there one year but despite what Genoa's fans may think of me, I have great memories of that season".
Then you were acquired by the "enemies" at Sampdoria...
"We'll before judging, we must always consider the context in which things happen. I was very young, I never played in Serie A and I really wanted it. I had this chance but we need to remember that I was acquired by Empoli first in Serie B, and then I was given the chance to go to Sampdoria. It was a dream, Samdoria was a great team with Mancini and Mihajlovic. It was easy for me to accept the transfer and I never regretted that.".
What do you like to remember of your time at Samp?
"Everything. I was welcomed, I had wonderful years and I must thank the club for what they did for my career".
Let’s come to the present day. The two teams come to this derby in a situation perhaps a little 'subdued’ than was expected at the beginning of the season: Sampdoria is out of Europe and without Cassano, Genoa, after so many years have a new coach Ballardini.
"Both teams can still aspire important goals for their ability, the result of this derby, as well as the challenge itself, is also important for the standings and for the aspirations of both teams, aspirations of middle-high ranking . I believe that the two teams are equal in value. Of course, Sampdoria is missing Cassano, which from a technical standpoint would have raised their level. A low-key derby compared to last year? Compared to last year yes, but last year both teams did something exceptional, and in football you cannot always repeat the same performance".
The two strikers of Sampdoria and Genoa are Pazzini and Toni: with whom would you have been better with in attack?
"Both have characteristics different to me, especially Toni. Certainly I would have been able to integrate well with each of the two. Then I admire Pazzini, since he was at Atalanta I thought he could reach these levels. He is one of the most complete strikers in recent years".
A prediction for Sunday?
"It 's difficult. I hope it's an open game, more than ever. I hope that it will be a good show, because the derby of Genoa is one of the most fascinating in the world".
A comparison between the derby of Genoa and that of Rome?
"They are slightly different. The Roman lives football in a more continuous way, year round. There is more expectation in Genoa. But the heart and passion are the same".
