Gianluca PAGLIUCA 1987-94
Widely considered to have been one of Serie A’s top shot-stoppers over the past few decades, it was at Sampdoria where Pagliuca first made his name. He was part of the club’s golden era, making almost 200 appearances on his way to winning five trophies, as well as playing in the European Cup Final defeat to Barcelona and a World Cup Final with the Azzurri.
Moreno MANNINI 1984-99
Reliable right-back for the club for a decade and a half, Mannini was a regular fixture in the 1991 Scudetto winning side. Only three players have made more appearances for Doria in Serie A, while he was also just one match shy of playing more European games for the club than anyone else. Younger fans will probably remember him more for an ill-fated spell at Nottingham Forest.
Pietro VIERCHOWOD 1983-95
The man known as the ‘Tsar’ was one of the best man-markers to feature in Serie A, while he also had the added bonus of being lightning quick. Joined Samp after winning a Scudetto with Roma and played a major part in their success in the late 1980s and early ‘90s. Only Roberto Mancini played more games for the port outfit than Vierchowod, who made up for the disappointment of losing a European Cup Final in 1992 by winning the competition four years later with Juve.
Sinisa MIHAJLOVIC 1994-98
Perhaps more famous for his stint with Lazio, where he won the Scudetto, the Serbian ace is still regarded by Samp fans as one of the top defenders to represent them – even though he scored a hat-trick of free-kicks against them after joining the Biancocelesti. Played over 100 games for the club and it was at Marassi where Italian fans were introduced to his stunning dead-ball skills.
Hans-Peter BRIEGEL 1986-88
The two-time World Cup runner-up with West Germany is mainly remembered in the peninsula for being part of Verona’s Scudetto success in 1985, but he followed that up with an impressive stint with Samp at the back end of his career. Helped the club capture the Coppa Italia with his impressive work ethic and speed, while he was also renowned for refusing to wear shin pads.
Juan Sebastian VERON 1996-98
Snapped up by Sven Goran Eriksson from Boca Juniors, ‘The Little Witch’ was an unknown in Europe before arriving at Marassi. That all changed after two excellent campaigns in which he established himself as one of the top playmakers in Serie A. However, a fine 1998 World Cup led Parma to sign him for £15m, before massive moves to Lazio, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Toninho CEREZO 1986-92
Arrived at Samp at the age of 31 after a spell with Roma, with many expecting his career to wind down at Marassi. However, the Brazilian international made up for the disappointment of missing out on the 1986 World Cup by inspiring his new club to a succession of trophies. One of the finest midfield anchors to have played in Italy in the past few decades and as crucial to Doria’s golden era as the more celebrated names.
Attilio LOMBARDO 1989-95 & 2001-02
Handed his first shot at Serie A by the Blucerchiati and he repaid them with some thrilling displays. ‘Popeye’ arrived at the club as a folically-challenged 23-year-old, but left six years later with numerous medals to his name and a reputation as a goal-grabbing winger. Helped both Juventus and, in particular, Lazio achieve major honours too before returning to Samp.
Roberto MANCINI 1982-97
The most important player in the club’s history, Mancio’s 15-year stint in Genoa coincided with Samp winning seven trophies. Formed one half of ‘The Goal Twins’ along with Luca Vialli, and it was widely reported that the pair were running the team from the pitch! Regardless of that, Mancini went on to accrue a record number of appearances for the club – 454 – in which he netted 132 goals, which also remains unsurpassed.
Vincenzo MONTELLA 1996-99
Given his first shot at Serie A by Samp, ‘L’Aeroplanino’ became a massive fans’ favourite despite joining from neighbours Genoa. Scored over 50 League goals in his three seasons with the club, averaging well over a goal every other game. However, injury struck in the 1998-99 campaign and he was unable to prevent relegation to Serie B. His move to Roma brought in much-needed funds though and also yielded a Scudetto for himself in 2001.
Gianluca VIALLI 1984-92
Like Mancio, Vialli played as big a part as anyone in Samp’s golden era. The powerful striker became a massive fans’ favourite at Marassi for his ability to pop up with crucial goals, including a brace in the European Cup-Winners Cup Final win over Anderlecht. His 19 goals from just 26 games were arguably the key to the Blucerchiati’s 1991 Scudetto success.
THE COACH:
Vujadin BOSKOV 1986-92 & 1998-99
The Serbian tactician will always be remembered at Marassi as the man who led Doria to their one and only Scudetto. However, the rest of Italy will recall his tendency to state the obvious, which included such gems as: “The team that wins the title is the one with the most points,” and “the game ends when the referee blows his whistle.” Regardless of this, he remains the most celebrated tactician in the club’s history, even if he did sully his copybook by leading them down to Serie B in 1999.