Garrone supports sidelined Cassano
Sampdoria's president, Riccardo Garrone has come out in support of Antonio Cassano, after the club's star player has been sidelined by coach Luigi Del Neri again.
Prior to last weeks match against Udinese there was much confusion over the reason for Cassano's absence from the team picked to make the trip to Udine. Del Neri maintained that he was making a tactical decision and no other motivation was needed to justify his actions. As it happened Sampdoria showed great character to come from behind twice to win 3-2. The proof is on the pitch, as they say.
The club has gone to great lengths to assure the media that there has been no breakdown between Cassano and Del Neri, saying that the player accepted the coaches decision calmly and maturely. It has been revealed in the Genovese press that Cassano only asked that no excuses were made or lies told about being sidelined through injury. To add to the confusion Cassano has picked up some soreness in a right knee tendon and had a reduced training regime this week, but Del Neri maintained at his Friday press conference that his tactical choice to leave Cassano out remained the same regardless.
Later on in the evening, the Sampdoria President commented whilst attending a sports medicine event in Genova, stating:
"The Cassano situation will be handled with particular attention because he is an extraordinary resource, an extraordinary asset... and I'd never say otherwise. We are watching closely, however Del Neri is the manager and evidently there is full adhesion to his choices and opinions regarding the team from the Administrator and the President."
He also clearly responded to the questions regarding offers that may have arrived for Cassano in the last few days of the January transfer window, saying:
"They would have to be well above the 20 million euro recessionary clause in his contract and this is also the desire of the player. I don't think it is possible and given that the market is over in two days time, I don't see this offer materialising."
Doc
Sampdoria 4 – 1 Bologna
Sampdoria blew Bologna away in a scintillating first half performance. Antonio Cassano was the star of the show.
Sampdoria went into the game with the chance to return to the top of the table, for a few hours anyway. They were boosted by the news that top marksman Giampaolo Pazzini would be play the game wearing a protective mask. 
This was Bologna's first game under the leadership of Franco Colomba who replaced Giuseppe Papadopulo who was sacked last week, it wasn't to be a happy debut.
It took Sampdoria just 7 minutes to take the lead, a fantastic first touch fron Cassano on the right wing took him past Lanna, he then laid the ball back to Pazzini to knock in from six yards.
Bologna had a chance moments later with Di Vaio skimming the post with a header.
It didn't take Samp long to double their lead though, Pazzini played in a cross from the left for the unmarked Mannini to fire in a spectacular volley. What a goal!
Not long after Sampdoria went on to grab a third, confidence was visibly high as Samp knocked the ball around. Reto Ziegler picked the ball up just outside the D, he spun his marker and fired the ball into the bottom corner, another classy goal from Sampdoria.
Things got even worse for Bologna as they were reduced to ten men after Di Vaio back chatted the referee and was given his second booking and was sent off.
This really was a first half for Bologna to forget, with just 32 minutes played, Sampdoria went on to make it 4-0. Some classy play from Fantantonio once again, he turned two Bologna defenders inside out then crossed in for an easy for Mannini to head in and grab his second goal of the game.
Sampdoria took their foot off the gas in the 2nd half and they got caught out. Osvaldo who had just came on, scored with his first touch of the game, after some sloppy defending from Sampdoria allowed the forward to tap into an unguarded net.
Samp strolled though the remaining 2nd half and went on to claim the 3 points which returned them to the top of the table for a few hours atleast.
Cassano will be staying – Marotta
Sampdoria chief Beppe Marotta says "that there is at least a 98 per cent chance" that Antonio Cassano will be staying at Marassi.
"Nobody, including Inter, have enquired after him," claimed Marotta.
"Besides, the season is fast approaching and it would be too late to change all our plans so drastically.
"We are happy with our squad, although we have got plenty of time to complete it with some important additions."
Marotta has also confirmed that he came close to signing Flamengo striker Adriano.
"Our preferred policy, other than focusing on young talent, is to 'recover' great champions who have perhaps lost their way.
"We had given Adriano some thought. It’s a shame he is no longer available, seeing as he decided to remain in Brazil."
So far in this transfer window the Blucerchiati have signed Daniele Mannini, Fernando Tissone and Matteo Guardalben as well as loaning Lazio's Luciano Zauri and Parma's Marco Rossi.
Samp's league campagn gets underway on Sunday August 23 away to Catania.
JC
Bolzano 0 – 4 Sampdoria
Sampdoria cruised to an easy 4-0 victory against Bolzano in their first game of pre-season.
It was the usual suspects on the score sheet with both Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini grabbing two goals each. Pazzini grabbed the first on 28th minute, Cassano added the second on 58th minute, Pazzini then sealed the win on the 74th minute and Cassano topped it off with the fourth goal on the 92nd minute.
Cassano has changed – Del Neri
Antonio Cassano and Luigi Del Neri clashed when they worked together at Roma, but Del Neri says FantAntonio has changed.
Cassano impressed his new coach by turning up for pre-season training early. "This proves how professional and hungry he is for success. He is truly changing," commented Del Neri.
There were fears the two would have difficulty working together at Sampdoria, but it seems we are seeing a new, more mature and professional Cassano.
Del Neri went on to say that he believes that Cassano and one of his Samp teammates can regain their places in Marcello Lippi's Azzurri squad. "It is going to be a very important season for him and I think both Antonio and Giampaolo (Pazzini) can win back the Italy jersey."
The former Chievo coach finished by reassuring fans that the Blucerchiati's mercato is under control. "The club is working well on the transfer market, which is not an easy task at the moment.
"The foundations of the squad are the same as last season and remain solid. The fans should relax, as we have it in hand, we are just looking for players who would fit in."
JC
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