Sampdoria didn’t need to ‘convince’ Italy legends: Mancini ‘will definitely help us’ | OneFootball

Matteo Manfredi insists that Sampdoria did not need to convince club legends and former Italy national team staff members Alberico Evani and Attilio Lombardo to join the club amidst their Serie B relegation struggle, and says that former CT Roberto Mancini ‘will definitely help us’ even if he does not have an official role.

Sampdoria are currently at risk of suffering a second relegation in three years, having dropped out of Serie A at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. They now sit in 18th place in Serie B with six games to go, although they are level on points with Reggiana just above the drop zone.

In response to the team’s worrying form, Sampdoria confirmed on Monday that Leonardo Semplici and his staff had been sacked, and that Evani, who was assistant coach of the national team when Italy won the Euros in 2021, would take over as head coach.

Joining Evani is fellow former Italy colleague Lombardo. Andrea Mancini is joining as the club’s new sporting director, while Roberto Mancini will ‘help’ in an unofficial advisory role while he awaits other job offers elsewhere.

Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy interacts with Alberigo Evani, Assistant Coach of Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Italy and Austria at Wembley Stadium at Wembley Stadium on June 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images)

Manfredi on Mancini role at Sampdoria: ‘Will definitely help us’

Club President Manfredi spoke to Sky Sport Italia about the role that Mancini will have on Tuesday.

“He’s been very close to me since the beginning of this journey,” Manfredi said. “So, especially in this difficult moment, there was no need to convince anyone.”

He continued: “Roberto is by our side and will definitely help us get back on track along with all the staff. His role will be a non-formal one, friends do not have to be present all the time, but he will certainly carry a presence, which will be felt.”

When asked when we can expect to see Mancini at Marassi or at the club’s training ground, Manfredi replied: “We’ve been thinking about it over the last few hours. It’s been a troubling time for everyone. We are all very tired, but can’t wait to start working.”