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| Pazzini relishes Cassano pairing |
Thursday 15 January, 2009 |
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Giampaolo Pazzini has spoken of his delight at joining Sampdoria and is looking forward to playing alongside Antonio Cassano.
The 24-year-old, who cost the Blucerchiati £9m, had been marginalised at Fiorentina where he made just three starting appearances this season.
“Sampdoria have shown that they want me more than anyone,” said Pazzini at his official unveiling. “Giving me confidence, which is very important to me.
“I had no doubts,” he added. “There is a lot enthusiasm, I have the desire to start afresh and would like to thank President Garrone again for the effort he made.”
Pazzini was quick to silence those who said that his switch was primarily motivated by money and insisted that his decision to move to Sampdoria was a purely footballing one.
“It was a choice made for technical rather than economic reasons,” he revealed. “To play with Cassano is important.
“On the two occasions we spoke on the telephone he transmitted enthusiasm and general merriment… Put simply, I am ready to be swept away by his enthusiasm.
“I had some doubts as to continue wearing the No.29 but he quickly said to me ‘take the No.10’ and I had to say yes.”
Pazzini then went on to compare the talent of Cassano with that of Adrian Mutu who he played with at Fiorentina.
Emiliano Bonazzoli, who left Sampdoria for Fiorentina as part of Pazzini deal, yesterday said he looked forward to playing with Mutu because Cassano only ever plays for himself.
“Cassano and Mutu are different,” said Pazzini. “Adrian can also play as a centre-forward and scores a lot of goals.
“Antonio usually starts out on the left and makes plenty of assists. I know what Bonazzoli said. Evidently they did not have a great relationship.
“I say that if Cassano wants to do it all by himself and then set me up in front of an open goal, that’s fine by me.”
Pazzini could make his debut along side Cassano this weekend as Sampdoria host Palermo at Marassi.
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