On the night of the 20th May 1992, Sampdoria trudged off the hallowed Wembley turf having just lost the European Cup final. They had gone toe-to-toe with Johan Cruyff’s...
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TGU Interview: Designer Gavin Hall talks Hallyink and Calcio Art
There is something inspiring about Italian football’s heyday. During the 1980s and 90s’, Serie A had it all: Maradona’s Napoli, Osvaldo Bagnoli’s Verona, Ronaldo’s Inter, Lippi’s Juve, the Dutch...
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When Calcio Ruled the World: Gianluca Pagliuca
The searing Pasadena sunshine burned down on Gianluca Pagliuca with 15 minutes remaining in the World Cup Final. Brazil’s Mauro Silva unleashed a 25-yard shot straight at the Italian...
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The top 15 Italian club kits of the last 50 years
Not content with the debate sparked by our Top 10 Azzurri kits article earlier this year, we decided to put ourselves back in the firing line by compiling a list of the top...
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Giuseppe Meazza and Luigi Ferraris: In celebration of original stadia
The 1986 FIFA World Cup was supposed to be held in Colombia. In late 1982, the prospective host withdrew from its commitment, citing ‘economic difficulties’ (read as asymmetric internal...
Read MoreWhen God smiled at Mancini: The craziest Serie A comeback of the 21st Century
They had become a garden with no water, an oak with no leaves, a dry and thirsty land where vessels were filled only with shame for failing to triumph...
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Exodus: Eddie Firmani and the Lure of the Lire
Back from left: Vicini, Arrigoni, Ocwirk, Firmani, Martini and Bardelli. Front from left: Agnoletto, Farina, Agostinelli, Tortul and Bernasconi. The year is 1956. It is a bright summer’s afternoon...
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The unerring cool of Patrik Schick
Two days ago, Patrik Schick scored a crucial equalising goal for Sampdoria as they came from behind to win 2-1 against Inter at San Siro. That strike was his...
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Trevor Francis: Remembering Sampdoria’s elegant Englishman
“He was the best Englishman to have played in Italy.” Fabio Capello on Trevor Francis. “I was very pleased to hear this,” Francis admitted, later responding to Capello’s praise....
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Paolo Mantovani: Sampdoria and the unforgettable years
Paolo Mantovani didn’t fit the traditional mould for Italian football presidents. Self-effacing, quiet and open, he controlled Sampdoria with thought and love. His time in charge of the Blucerchiati...
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