Ex-Celtic midfielder Donati set to become new Sampdoria coach | OneFootball

Ex-Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati is set to be appointed as the new Sampdoria coach in Serie B.

Ex-Italy midfielder Donati will be appointed as the new Sampdoria coach after reaching an agreement with the Blucerchiati.

It will be Donati’s Serie B debut as a coach, as the 44-year-old has worked for Sambenedettese, Legnano, and Kallithea during the early years of his coaching career.

Donati to sign one-year Sampdoria contract

Sampdoria fans light a smoke-bomb prior to kick-off in the Coppa Italia match between Genoa CFC and UC Sampdoria at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on September 25, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Donati has agreed to sign a one-year contract through 2026 with an option for a further campaign.

Sampdoria were fortunate to escape relegation from Serie C last season, securing survival by beating Salernitana in a playout.

The Blucerchiati had been relegated to Serie C in the regular season, but Brescia’s financial irregularities sent the Rondinelle to the third division instead, allowing Samp to participate in the playout and ultimately secure survival.

Donati made 314 Serie A appearances as a footballer, playing for several clubs, including Milan, Atalanta and Sampdoria.

Donati played 19 Serie A games at Marassi in the 2003-04 campaign and is now set to return to the club as a coach.