[Forza_Roma]

Montella ready to "fly" for Samp.

Montella ready to fly
Friday 27 July, 2007
Vincenzo Montella is keen to play in Sampdoria’s Intertoto Cup tie this weekend, but insists that qualification is the most important thing.

The Blucerchiati are close to a UEFA Cup second qualifying round place after winning the first leg of their third round tie at Cherno More 1-0 last week and will host the return match on Saturday.

The game could see Montella make his first appearance for the club since returning to Genoa after an eight-year stint with Roma.

“Would I like to play? Of course, but only if the match will allow me to do so. The only thing that counts now is for us to qualify,” he insisted.

“I am pleased to know that Coach Walter Mazzarri is happy with what I have done so far. I know that I am not 100 per cent fit yet, but I have always worked hard and I think things are going well.

“I have been saying this a lot, but I decided to come back because I want to sacrifice myself, putting all my enthusiasm in this adventure because I know I have something to give to this club.”

L’Aeroplanino, who scored 54 goals in 83 appearances for Sampdoria during his first spell at the club, is sure that the memories will come flooding back if he takes part in Saturday’s match.

“It will be very exciting, but I want to stress the fact that our qualification is the priority. I still have many games to play for Sampdoria, but this one means a lot for the club.”

Mazzarri confirmed that the player will be on the bench at the Stadio Ferraris, where over 15,000 fans are expected, and he will be more than happy to give him a chance to shine if the circumstances allow it.

“He will be on the bench and even if I will be putting the interests of the team first I want to give him his debut,” said the former Reggina Coach.

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