SAMPDORIA 2 v SPEZIA 1 - LUIGI FERRARIS - SERIE B - 24/11/2
Getting there, getting in and what its like
For fans growing up in the 90's and tuning into Channel 4's Football Italia TV programme, Union Calcio Sampdoria were a big part of that programme and draw for fans in the UK. Indeed, the first live match involved Sampdoria in an exciting 3-3 versus Lazio.
They were formed in 1946 following a merger between top division clubs Sampierdaranese and Andrea Doria which today would seem quite unthinkable. Their most succesful period is undoubtedly the late 1980's and early 90's winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, European Cup Winners Cup and were runners up in the European Cup in 1992. It is definitely a bucket list stadium to visit for fans of that generation.
Getting there - Fairly easy. From the city centre, you can walk up the main drag (Via Assarotti) and down the sharp steps towards the stadium or like we did, take the single metro line that runs through Genoa to Brignole. From there walk along the river for 15 mins and you will see the stadium come into view. Loads of bars and restaurants available if you step one block in from the eastern bank of the river on Corso Sardegna and where I could practice my Italian on behalf of the group ordering Focaccia, Beer and Vino. The lady behind the counter appreciated my efforts!
This was the first Italian stadium we had been to with no ID checks of any kind getting in, just a flash of the barcode at the entry point probably because this was a busy game with an approx 20,000 attendance.
Getting in - Ticketone for Sampdoria which were available on general sale about 5 days before the game. There was a promotion on for this game and only charged 10 euro each to sit in the Distiniti stand running along the side of the pitch.
What its like - A really entertaining game from start to end, finishing 2-1 to Sampdoria. The home team took an early lead only for La Spezia, backed by a decent away following, to equalize 5 minute's later. Sampdoria took a deserved lead and winner 12 minutes from time with a header off the post from Depaoli who also scored the first and had a very good game.
The Stadium is one of the iconic ones for those watching Football Italia and World Cup Italia 90. Nice looking outside with the four brick towers and supports visible as you walk up to it and inside, with the steep stands right on the pitch giving a great atmosphere and excellent view. Having said that, inside it could certainly do with an upgrade. Getting away was easy too re tracing our steps back to Brignole for the metro into town and a wander around the main bar area full of footy fans of both sides back from the game. Our visit to Genoa was only 12 hours, id certainly go again for a better tour around Genoa and certainly recommend a visit to Luigi Ferraris whoever is playing at home.
