Giampaolo Pazzini’s Road to Success at Sampdoria

Only three months into Giampaolo Pazzini’s winter switch from Fiorentina to Sampdoria, most Calciofans can claim that the move has proven to be quite the success story. The 24-year old has settled well into his new surroundings and blossomed under the partnership with the sometimes controversial but all the more brilliant Antonio Cassano.

Eight goals in his first 11 league appearances clearly state that the forward has taken a spot in Walter Mazzarri’s starting line-up. His recent impressive form has even earned him a call-up to the Azzurri. But where did it all begin for Giampaolo Pazzini?

Giampaolo Pazzini is a product of the famous Atalanta youth academy and had his first taste of senior team action in the season of 2003/2004. That year the youngster made 20 appearances and scored nine goals as Atalanta earned promotion back to Italy’s top flight.

The following year, after his debut season in Seria A, Pazzini managed to beat both Obafemi Martins and Mirko Vucinic to claim the ‘Young player of the Year’ award. The forward’s promising talents caught the eye of Fiorentina and in 2005 the Atalanta schooled forward completed his move to Florence.