The 1996-97 campaign was a spectacular and exhilarating one for Sampdoria, who earned the nickname 'The Entertainers' as they surged to a 6th-place finish in Serie A under manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, securing a coveted spot in the UEFA Cup. Spearheading the league's top-scoring attack was the prolific Vincenzo Montella, whose sensational 22 league goals made him an instant icon, matching the tally of the departed Enrico Chiesa. The season, which also saw the brilliant emergence of Argentinian Juan Sebastián Verón and featured memorable double victories over rivals AC Milan, provided a constant source of thrill and nostalgia for the Blucerchiati faithful.