Sampdoria’s Viking connection

History shows that as a people, the Vikings were used to going to sea and conquering all that lay before them. On this occasion, however, they are the ones who have been conquered, given that Sampdoria have taken up a place in their hearts and they have not been able to get by without the club ever since. Tomas and Simen are both Norwegian football fans with a common love for the Blucerchiati, although their stories could hardly be more different. There are many other football-loving supporters across Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden who, just like the founders of VBS, Vikinghi Blucerchiati Scandinavia, have decided to come together behind the same flag to create a Sampdoria fan base around the North Sea.

Both fans decided to embark on the journey from Oslo for the Derby della Lanterna on 14 December in order to enjoy the spectacle in all its glory. They were joined by the final member of the gang, Alfredo, who, despite not being a Viking himself, is certainly also home at sea, given that he is a sailor. As a big Sampdoria fan, the Italian had no choice but to join the travelling party for what would ultimately prove to be a successful derby day.