Riccardo Garrone’s name is inextricably linked with Unione Calcio Sampdoria, representing a period of stability, passion, and ultimately, heartbreaking loss for the Genoese club. Garrone, an oil tycoon and head of ERG S.p.A., stepped in to save Sampdoria from near-certain bankruptcy in 2002, acquiring the club at a critical juncture in its history.
Sampdoria, still reeling from relegation to Serie B and burdened with crippling debt inherited from the Mantovani era, faced a bleak future. Garrone’s acquisition provided an immediate injection of capital and, more importantly, a renewed sense of hope. His commitment extended beyond mere financial investment; he demonstrated a genuine affection for the club and its fans, becoming a familiar and respected figure in the stands.
Under Garrone’s stewardship, Sampdoria quickly returned to Serie A, achieving promotion in the 2002-2003 season. The following years saw a period of relative stability and success. Walter Novellino, as coach, guided the team to respectable league finishes, establishing Sampdoria as a consistent presence in the top flight. The club even qualified for the Champions League preliminary rounds in 2010, thanks to a fourth-place finish secured under coach Luigi Delneri and the striking partnership of Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini. While they ultimately failed to reach the Champions League group stage, this achievement symbolized the resurgence of Sampdoria under Garrone’s leadership.
Garrone’s philosophy was not solely focused on immediate success; he prioritized financial sustainability and the development of young talent. While big-name signings were occasionally made, he also invested in the youth academy, aiming to cultivate future stars for the club. This long-term vision was evident in the gradual improvement of Sampdoria’s infrastructure and the emphasis on building a solid foundation for the future.
Tragically, Riccardo Garrone passed away in January 2013, leaving a void both on and off the pitch. His death came at a difficult time for Sampdoria, who were struggling in Serie A. The club’s subsequent relegation at the end of that season was seen by many as a direct consequence of his absence, highlighting the profound impact he had on the team’s morale and stability.
Following Garrone’s death, his family continued to own Sampdoria for a period, eventually selling the club to Massimo Ferrero. While the subsequent era under Ferrero brought its own challenges and controversies, Riccardo Garrone is remembered as a savior, a passionate supporter, and a responsible owner who rescued Sampdoria from oblivion and restored pride to the Blucerchiati faithful. His legacy endures as a reminder of the positive influence a dedicated owner can have on a football club and its community. The stadium’s Curva Sud is named in his honor, a permanent tribute to his unwavering devotion to Sampdoria.
950×534 sampdoria garrone opened wallet doria style from doriastyle.wordpress.com 
500×333 lite cassano garrone striscia la notizia cerca mettere pace from www.calciopro.com 
3000×2046 garrone ha venduto la sampdoria ilgiornaleit from www.ilgiornale.it 
696×391 garrone sampdoria sono deluso ecco cosa va video from www.sampnews24.com 
474×315 sampdoria scontro social tra la signora garrone tifosi club doria from www.clubdoria46.it 
696×390 sampdoria sette anni senza garrone il ricordo dellex presidente foto from www.sampnews24.com 
300×225 edoardo garrone ha venduto la sampdoria massimo ferrero from calcio.fanpage.it 
500×333 sampdoria edoardo garrone nominato nuovo vicepresidente calciomercatoit from www.calciomercato.it 
473×264 morte garrone sampdoria lacrimedomani funerali il calcio from www.gazzetta.it