Luca Pellegrini, the former captain of the iconic Sampdoria team, has opened up about his tumultuous experience during the historic 1991 Scudetto season, painting a picture of both glory and internal discord.
Reflecting on those pivotal moments, Pellegrini recounted the great highs and lows, saying, "I always respected everyone, but I wasn’t enrolled to any party. The problems exploded during the Scudetto season, 1990-91." This season was significant as it led Sampdoria to its first and only championship title, yet behind the scenes, friction simmered.
Health issues plagued Pellegrini, suffering from back problems no one seemed to remedy. After disappointing losses to Torino and Lecce, he and his teammates were summoned to a dinner by president Paolo Mantovani and director Borea to air grievances. It was here tensions boiled over. Pellegrini revealed, "Luca, there are those who stab you in the back," as the murmurings of dissent echoed among the players.
Even camaraderie was shaken. During one pivotal game against Inter, Vialli publicly supported Pellegrini, but just days later, Pellegrini sensed the dark mood: "Luca, not everyone thinks like you," Vialli had said. This moment offered insights about Pellegrini’s place within the squad, foreshadowing his eventual ousting.
Somewhere between heartache and determination, Pellegrini managed to take the field during the decisive clash with Inter, which clinched the Scudetto for Sampdoria. "I played the decisive match, and I have always wondered why. A notable journalist told me, 'Luca, they made you play because they wanted to win,'" he shared, questioning the intentions behind his inclusion.
Despite the celebration of triumph, Pellegrini's summer thereafter was bittersweet. Just after the victory, Mantovani's leadership faltered for Pellegrini, who later stated, "I was traded even by Mantovani. I signed the renewal, but the company didn’t deposit the contract." This betrayal shook his faith, resulting in his departure to Verona, where his career spiraled downward.
Another dimension to Pellegrini's departure was rival Roberto Mancini, who Pellegrini claims sought his captaincy armband. "I was the captain but he wanted the armband, and after my departure, he obtained it," Pellegrini noted, emphasizing the competitive spirit enveloping the squad.
Today, nearly three decades later, Pellegrini is still rooted in Genoa, lamenting the path Sampdoria has taken since. He mused, "I remain a Doriano, and it pains me to see Sampdoria struggling. The players should examine their consciences, honoring the 20,000 fans still supporting them at Marassi." Pellegrini’s reflections resonate deeply, intertwining personal struggles with the larger narrative of ambition and loyalty, and the challenging reality of professional sports.