We wanted to enjoy a Sampdoria football experience, so this weekend we headed to Italy to see if it would live up to it’s reputation.
Sampdoria Bucket List
We have all seen the video’s of I Blucerchiati (The Blue Circled) in the Gradinata Sud supporting their team passionately from the lower echelons of Serie B, and amazed at the continued massive following. Ask ground-hoppers where they want to experience next ad this will be high on many bucket lists.
Shared Stadium
Stadio Luigi Ferraris is shared by the two famous clubs from Genoa. One of course is the club we were visiting, UC Sampdoria, and the other is Genoa CFC which is the older of the two clubs.
Stadio Luigi Ferraris
The Stadium is located in the district of Marassi which is the name often referred to for the stadium. It is just a couple of kilometres from the city centre and makes it walkable which we decided upon.
The route climbed steadily until, at last, the stadium revealed itself below us—an imposing first glimpse from above. We turned the corner expecting a gentle descent, only to be confronted by a daunting staircase: 280 steps cascading downward in the iconic red and blue of both the city’s clubs. This was the Scalinata Montaldo—striking, dramatic, and, as we would later discover, far kinder on the way down than on the climb back up!
The Scalinata Montaldo is a 280 case descent to the stadium
At the bottom of the concrete steps, the stadium finally felt within touching distance. But after the long walk, temptation won out. A quick right turn led us to a small spot—Bar Pressing—just a hundred yards along. With two hours still to go before kick-off, it was surprisingly calm, most fans already gathering nearer the ground. We happily claimed a table, savouring the rare moment of quiet with a cold bottle of Corona in hand before the noise and energy of the match took over.
First view from the foot of the staircase
Outside the Stadium
As we made our way around to the far side of the stadium, the mood shifted—the crowds were building, and the energy began to hum as fans enjoyed a beer in the sun. A win would guarantee safety from relegation, but with a slim cushion already in place, even defeat wouldn’t spell disaster. The atmosphere mirrored that balance perfectly: relaxed yet hopeful, with just a flicker of nervous anticipation in the air.
The Sampdoria Atmosphere
The ultras’ end was nothing short of electric, a wall of colour and noise that set the tone long before kick-off. As the anthem “Lettera Da Amsterdam” rang out, it echoed powerfully around the stadium, sending a surge of energy through every corner of the ground. This was one of the moments we’d been waiting for—and it more than lived up to the hype.
Inside the Stadium
Stadion Luigi Ferraris is a long way from modern. Opened in 1909 but given a facelift for the 1990 World Cup, we arrived expecting at least a hint of comfort. However, much like the San Siro, the interiors feel stark and stripped back, with little in the way of amenities.
From our spot high in the third tier of the Distinti Stand, it quickly became clear how basic things were. The few toilets available were tucked away a level below, and a single bar was left to serve both the second and third tiers.
Sampdoria 1 Sudtirol 0
The result on Matchday 37 was won by a solitary goal which secured the safety of Sampdoria in Serie B. Enjoyed by 28,652 fans, the only goal was on the half hour from Oliver Abildgaard.
At the end of the match the players and fans applauded each other as seen in this video.
Gianluca Vialli
Gianluca Vialli is a legend for Sampdoria and was part of the most successful period in their history scoring 85 Serie A goals and winning the Serie A title in 1990/91 . His passing in 2023 was a huge shock for everyone in football.
Sampdoria fans created a ever-lasting memorial at Quinto al Mare just outside of Genoa. The location was a favourite location of he number 9 and is set in a beautiful area. Scarves are left by fans paying their respects.
Summary
A trip to Genoa to watch Sampdoria is highly recommended. The City of Genoa has a lot to offer and you can fly direct from London Stansted in just two hours. Sampdoria could be your destination on a Covert Football Trip – choose our CIAO package specifically for a Mystery Football Weekend to Italy!
Why use Covert Football Trips?
We have confidence in building unrivalled Mystery Football Trips and are the original company to offer this type of trip. Our attention to detail is something we take extremely seriously and even go as far as bar/restaurant recommendations in your reveal pack (and sometimes even make bookings for you!)
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