Sampdoria President Riccardo Garrone has taken the credit for the Blucerchiati's fantastic season.
The Genoa-based outfit finished an impressive sixth and qualified for the UEFA Cup.
“I have built a great Samp,” the 72-year-old said. “We finished with a sprint and never let up. We would have finished even higher if we had started better.”
Doria took five points from as many games at the start of the campaign, but turned their season around in December.
Walter Mazzarri turned Marassi into a fortress where Samp won 10 of their 19 home games.
“Mazzarri has worked very well, as have the players,” added Garrone. “Ever since Antonio Cassano arrived, we knew he was special. Apart from his outburst against Torino, he has shown a capacity for self-control.”
Cassano, who is renowned for his fiery temper, was banned for five matches in March after reacting furiously to a refereeing decision in Samp's game with Torino.
“He is maturing and becoming an adult,” insisted Garrone. “His call-up to La Nazionale is deserved recognition for his services to Sampdoria."
