Time is running out for Sampdoria coach Roberto D’Aversa despite a vote of confidence from club President Massimo Ferrero. The Blucerchiati dropped into the relegation zone following a third consecutive Serie A defeat against Bologna last weekend. D’Aversa had taken his players into a ritiro but clearly the three-day training camp prior to last Sunday’sContinue reading “Time for a change at Sampdoria”
Author Archives: skasiewicz
Respect (2021)
Director: Liesl Tommy Starring: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans. Production: United States The editors of this slow-paced opus should have shown a little more respect for weary audiences. It takes nearly two and half hours to cover barely half the life of legendary singer Aretha Franklin. Backed by Franklin herself (and held up forContinue reading “Respect (2021)”
Serie A diary: October 2021
As Napoli and Milan moved clear at the Serie A summit, Juventus flattered to deceive, while Roma suffered a European humbling, Italy’s long unbeaten run was broken and racist behaviour in the curvas again marred Italian football during the month of October. Top two surge forward Napoli and Milan charged ahead at the top ofContinue reading “Serie A diary: October 2021”
Ballon d’Or bias – why were Chiesa, Insigne and Verratti overlooked?
The annual announcement of the Ballon d’Or nomination list can turn even the most rational football fan into a conspiracy theorist. It usually prompts an avalanche of unanswered questions. Who are the faceless group from France Football that compile the contenders? Is it nothing more than a shallow, predetermined popularity contest? Why are goalkeepers andContinue reading “Ballon d’Or bias – why were Chiesa, Insigne and Verratti overlooked?”
Dreaming of Diego: Napoli’s perfect start to the season
For Napoli fans of a certain vintage the Azzurri’s perfect start to the season may bring back long cherished memories. It is 31 years since Diego Maradona spearheaded a talent-laden team to an unforgettable second Scudetto, opening with a dazzling 16 game unbeaten run in the 1989-1990 championship. Nostalgia and reality are two different thingsContinue reading “Dreaming of Diego: Napoli’s perfect start to the season”
Serie A diary: August and September 2021
The new Italian football season kicked-off spectacularly in August and September as Napoli made the perfect start in Serie A, Juventus plummeted to the bottom of the table and Jose Mourinho ran away with the headlines, all while Gianluigi Donnarumma was left out at Paris Saint-Germain and two managers lost their jobs. Napoli march toContinue reading “Serie A diary: August and September 2021”
Sampdoria season 2021-2022 preview
Season expectations A severe lack of investment and ambition means another middle of the road finish is likely for the Blucerchiati. The last time Samp finished above ninth in the table was eight seasons ago and it is unlikely to change this term. A barren transfer market was dominated by incessant speculation regarding players leavingContinue reading “Sampdoria season 2021-2022 preview”
Censor (2021)
Director: Prano Bailey-Bond Starring: Niamh Algar, Michael Smiley, Nicholas Burns Production: United Kingdom None of the infamous video nasties can be considered as terrifying as the sight of Mary Whitehouse and Margaret Thatcher in quick succession. A time establishing montage shows the gruesome twosome – a vile conservative activist and fearsome Prime Minister who supportedContinue reading “Censor (2021)”
Attilio Lombardo
The Football Italia opening titles concluded with his image of euphoric celebration. He gamely danced the Lambada alongside host James Richardson on Gazzetta Football Italia. Winning the Scudetto with Sampdoria miraculously helped restore his hair as he comically wore a wig in a brilliant post-match interview. Four different nicknames were bestowed on the lightning-fast winger. Continue reading “Attilio Lombardo”
The magic of Quagliarella
Fabio Quagliarella marked a historic milestone with a moment of typically effortless panache. The enduring symbol of Sampdoria scored his 100th goal for the club with an exceptional combination of style and technique as the Blucerchiati overcame second tier Alessandria in the Coppa Italia. The century strike was an instance of irrefutable class, a tiltContinue reading “The magic of Quagliarella”
Stephen Kasiewicz 