Empathy in the locker room and connection with fans are decisive factors. The 1991 Scudetto winger is in pole position. Foti is the primary alternative.
Matteo Manfredi`s mission has begun, focusing on balancing costs and benefits, starting with the choice of the new coach. His goal is to achieve financial equilibrium for Sampdoria without reducing the team`s technical quality. With this in mind, the club is considering Attilio Lombardo to lead the first team next season. Lombardo served as vice-coach under Evani during the final part of the recent championship and the playouts.
Known as `Popeye` during the glorious Scudetto years with Vialli and Mancini`s Samp, Lombardo was part of the title-winning squad and also served on the Italy national team staff that won the European Championship in 2021, led by Mancini. Roberto Mancini`s son, Andrea, has now returned to his role as Sampdoria`s sporting director.
Club Connection and Feeling
Lombardo`s strengths include the positive results achieved in the final part of the season, his deep knowledge of the Sampdoria environment, a widely recognized connection with the fans, and great empathy within the locker room, as confirmed in recent weeks. Angelo Gregucci, who was also part of Evani`s technical staff during this complicated season finale, could potentially remain with Sampdoria alongside him.
Notably, both Lombardo and Gregucci have received praise from the fanbase, who expressed gratitude for the work done (alongside Evani and Invernizzi, another Blucerchiati stalwart) to achieve a difficult salvation, displayed on a large banner near the “Mugnaini” training ground. Essentially, the Lombardo-Gregucci tandem would make the fans happy while also allowing the club to maintain an adequate salary cap.
Other Options
However, the path leading to Salvatore Foti, 36, remains open. The former assistant to Mourinho has a past as a Sampdoria player and also served as a technical collaborator in Marco Giampaolo`s staff towards the end of his playing career. He is also well-acquainted with the club environment and appreciated by the fans, but he has not yet led a team as head coach. This option would gain more traction, especially if Foti were to work with internal club staff. Sampdoria could thus be the right opportunity for him.
Evaluations are ongoing (the Iachini option has lost momentum), but a decision should not be delayed, considering that subsequent market moves depend on the coach`s choice.
Finances and Market
Meanwhile, to accelerate market activity, sporting director Mancini is working to streamline the squad. The 12 players whose contracts expired yesterday or loans ended have been released, which will allow for a cut in the wage bill. In terms of transfer choices, the club will seek alternative, cost-effective routes where possible to contain expenses. This is why the first deal of the summer might soon be finalized: a swap with Cagliari involving Riccio and Scuffet (who would move to Liguria). It will be a creative market for Sampdoria.
