Delio Rossi has been brought in to balance Sampdoria following a hectic spell under Ciro Ferrara, but Dylan Fahy doubts the tactician will revolutionise their fortunes.
The familiar face of Delio Rossi will be making a return to Serie A’s sidelines this weekend, having taken over at the helm of Sampdoria on Monday. The journeyman tactician was last sighted with his fists all over Adem Ljajic at the Stadio Artemio Franchi whilst marshalling Fiorentina to mid-table mediocrity last season. Outgoing Coach Ciro Ferrara leaves his post with more questions than answers about his managerial style, but also with a spirited squad sitting comfortably in the lower echelons of Serie A.
The 52-year-old tactician opened his press conference at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in less than convincing fashion, and quite adamant to get any excuses in as early as possible. “Only the players can resolve the matter,” explained the former Genoa boss. “I only train them.” Sampdoria have shown signs of spirit in recent weeks despite only racking up two victories since September, and in particular Rossi will have to look at the club’s recent dramatic derby win to channel any sort of optimism.
“Changes will only be minor going into the Lazio game,” admitted Rossi on Tuesday. The former Biancocelesti mainstay has hinted at a three-man backline in the near future, but looks set to stick to a 4-3-1-2 formation come Saturday. Ferrara chose to leave out a traditional trequartista, but the new boss has hinted at Roberto Soriano playing in front of Pedro Obiang, Enzo Maresca and Andrea Poli. The backline that Giuseppe Iachini relied upon during the club’s promotion year in 2011 also looks set to return to force.
Welcoming news for Sampdoria will be that the injury table is beginning to clear up, and star striker Maxi Lopez has rejoined the squad ahead of a return to action after the winter break. Gianni Munari and Nicola Pozzi are also set to return from the sidelines. Despite refusing to comment on the January window, Rossi will be looking at Viola-owned men Mattia Cassani and Andrea Lazzari, according to the local press. A clear picture of what is required to boost the squad is there, but it will take time to facilitate the necessary changes.
The Blucerchiati faithful have had a demoralising time of it since opening up their account in Italy’s top flight with three successive victories after gaining promotion. However, the quick boost a newly appointed boss often brings in football may not come in the form of Rossi, and they only need to look across at their Grifoni neighbours with a labouring Luigi Del Neri to figure that out. The tactician is certainly not someone to rely upon in the long run, but is likely to stabilise a project that Ferrara had the potential to complete.