The former midfielder broke into Serie A as a youngster with the mighty Sampdoria, at a time when the Genoa club was packed with stars and swagger. “It was the dream,” Breda tells Football Presse. “You grow up wanting to play in Serie A — to do it with Sampdoria, at that moment, was incredible.”
This was the golden era: a dressing room featuring the likes of Gianluca Pagliuca, Pietro Vierchowod, and a title-winning core that had conquered Italy and shaken Europe.
And then there were the icons up front.
Roberto Mancini — “more introverted,” says Breda.
Gianluca Vialli — “a leader of men.”
Different personalities. Same obsession.
“They wanted to improve every single day. They never settled. In every training session they pushed the level higher.”
For a young Breda, it wasn’t just football. It was a masterclass in elite mentality.