Hot showdown: Italian euphoria vs Bremen experience

The goal of many dreams: The Champions League trophy
First Team
Wednesday, 18.08.2010 / 14:25

The run on tickets by the Italians was huge as some 2,500 tickets for Weser Stadium were snatched up within 30 minutes. Sampdoria Genua’s decisive home game in Genua has been

The run on tickets by the Italians was huge as some 2,500 tickets for Weser Stadium were snatched up within 30 minutes. Sampdoria Genua’s decisive home game in Genua has been sold out for weeks – in Bremen the ticket office will be open for Werder fans. Sampdoria’s reaching fourth place last season created a huge wave of euphoria which the club hopes to use as a major weapon against Werder. Sampdoria captain Angelo Palombo can hardly wait for the two showdowns with Bremen. “I have received so many calls before the Werder games, the euphoria is crazy. You only have to look around and see what’s been going on in Genua the past couple weeks. The people are so anxious because we haven’t been in the Champions League for so long. Eighteen years is a long time. If we can do this now, it would be the crowning of an unbelievable season. Now we have to concentrate on the Werder hurdle. Hopefully we can get it done,” said Palombo.

 

Head coach Mimmo Di Carlo is also excited about things. “I have never experienced such an atmosphere around a club. It is an absolute passion with the Sampdoria fans. If we would have received more tickets in Bremen we would have arrived with even more supporters. Everyone is already speaking of a success because we are playing in the qualification. But we have to play things out. There are not that many chances to get this kind of attention,” said Di Carlo.

 

The fact that Werder lost a crucial player in Mesut Özil is also a hot topic in Genua. But people there are not over-estimating the transfer. “They lost an excellent player but nothing will change in their system. They also have Marin and Hunt who can play just as well,” said coach Di Carlo.

 

Still, respect and optimism are not only aplenty with the guests. Werder have a similar attitude going into the match-up. “We have often stepped up in these important games which mean something,” said captain Torsten Frings. “Therefore we are heading into the game with confidence. It’s generally known that Italians play somewhat more defensive in away matches. It will be hard work to break through their defensive wall. But I am positive because I know that we have a very good offense.” The team’s experience in big games is a help. “It doesn’t hurt that we have this experience,” said head coach Thomas Schaaf. “We know that it will be close. Both teams stand for quality, but both are still in the preparations for the season so there will be a certain uncertainty.”

 

 

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