Pazzini leaves Viola, joins Sampdoria

By: Francesco | January 14th, 2009

Nobody is expecting big moves during this transfer window in Serie A. Maybe some small clubs will buy a top Serie B player or some players will switch clubs, but the biggest transfer everyone was expecting was the move of Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini. The Atalanta youth product was considered at a young age to be one of the most promising strikers in all of Italy. Fiorentina snapped him up in 2005 and over the past 3 years he has scored 24 goals in 96 appearances, even though he was never really a starter because he always had to work in the shadow of Luca Toni, Adrian Mutu, and now Alberto Gilardino. Pazzini also was an Italy U-21 regular, scoring 5 goals in 22 appearances (English fans will remember the hat-trick he scored at the opening of the New Wembley). Pazzini can play as a striker or a support striker, and his main qualities are his quickness, his technique, and his finishing ability. He couldn’t take not playing anymore and requested a transfer this month.

Sampdoria, Bologna, Palermo, and even West Ham were said to all be interested, however Pazzini wanted to stay in Italy, so that ruled out West Ham, and Bologna didn’t have the finances to pay his price all at once, so that left Sampdoria and Palermo. Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini announced today that Pazzini refused Palermo and chose Sampdoria. Sampdoria bought Pazzini for a price around 9 million euros, and experienced Sampdoria striker Emiliano Bonazzoli will go to Fiorentina on loan for the rest of the season. This is Pazzini’s big chance, because now at Sampdoria with regular playing time he can confirm himself as the top striker he is capable of becoming, or just another player that failed to live up to their potential. (It should be a big help having Antonio Cassano giving you assists every week).

Pazzini compilation:

Category: Fiorentina, Players, Rumors & News, Sampdoria, Serie A

Tags: Calcio, Fiorentina, football, Futbol, Giampaolo Pazzini, Italy, Players, Rumors & News, Sampdoria, Serie A, Soccer

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Comments  

• LorenzoRosanero |  January 14th, 2009 at 8:02 am

  
  
  

  Good riddance.

  Posted from United States

  

• Nolan |  January 14th, 2009 at 8:46 am

  
  
  

  Kind of bittersweet. I liked Pazzini and was hoping he would slowly become the next Toni but he just couldn’t seem to find confidence. At this point I think the move was the best for all parties involved, though I’m skeptical Bonazzoli can offer La Viola much.

  Posted from Canada

  

• Francesco |  January 14th, 2009 at 9:27 am

  
  
  

  Pazzini has chosen the number 10 shirt that was last worn by Samp idol Francesco Flachi. Big expectations to fill now.

  Posted from United States

  

• LorenzoRosanero |  January 14th, 2009 at 11:23 am

  
  
  

  let’s see if he shares the same passion for blow as Flachi…hehe

  Posted from United States

  

• kat |  January 14th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

  
  
  

  Kid made the best choice for him.
  And idem us – for not signing him.

  Posted from United States

  

• Vincent |  January 14th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

  
  
  

  Wish he would have come to Napoli I rate him higher than Denis and Donkey Z Pazzini, Lavezzi, Rusutto would be sweet

  Posted from United States

  

• Colin |  January 14th, 2009 at 9:53 pm

  
  
  

  hey vincent does russotto even play for you guys? denis is probably on par with pazzini is my guess. I have a feeling Cassano is going to make pazzini look real good.

  Posted from United States

  

• alex |  January 15th, 2009 at 1:08 am

  
  
  

  are pazzini and bonazzoli still able to play in teh uefa-cup this season??

  Posted from United States

  

Comments are closed