Sampdoria Fans Turn Against Him: Loris Boni Accuses Roberto Mancini of Ingratitude

Loris Boni, a tenacious midfielder who wore the Sampdoria jersey nearly 100 times in the early 1970s, is taking on the new head coach of the national team, Roberto Mancini, another Sampdoria icon. The 73-year-old from Remedello, Brescia, does so via social media, where he is often in the spotlight with his clear, no-nonsense comments.

“There are many Sampdoria fans who take offense when I voice a logical and very clear criticism of Mancini,” Boni began in his head-on attack. “I’ve noticed that it’s mainly women who defend their idol/favorite tooth and nail… History speaks very clearly, and even when Sampdoria was in serious trouble, he was just showing off (I know these things very well).”

The former midfielder then added, in no uncertain terms: “It must mean that every time I come to Genoa, I’ll pin a sign on myself that says: ‘I’m the one who saved Sampdoria from relegation with my goal on May 20, 1973.’ Maybe I’ll get more respect that way. I have no envy whatsoever: the only Sampdoria player I’ll always praise is Luca Vialli. The others were simply lucky enough to wear the most beautiful jersey in the world.”

Born in 1953, Loris Boni played for Sampdoria from 1971—coming from Solbiatese—until 1975, before moving to Roma. He also played for Pescara, Cremonese, Novara, Legnano, and Fanfulla, ending his playing career in the late 1980s. He also made several appearances for the Under-21 and Under-23 national teams between 1972 and 1977.