Thursday 31 May 2007

Mazzarri named Samp boss

Walter Mazzarri is to replace Walter Novellino in charge of Sampdoria with the former Reggina coach agreeing a two-year contract.

"Sampdoria announce that a two-year agreement has been finalised with Walter Mazzarri, who will be the new first team coach," read an official statement.

"In the meantime, we wish to thank Walter Novellino and his staff for the professionalism and dedication shown in the past extraordinary five seasons and we wish the mister all the best for the continuation of his career."

The 45-year-old will take his technical staff with him to the Blucerchiati, including assistant coach Nicolo Frustalupi.

The team will have to get straight down to work in Genoa as Sampdoria's ninth-place finish in Serie A means they will enter the UEFA Intertoto Cup this summer. Having overseen that feat, Novellino stood down as coach last night after five years in the role.


Mazzarri spent three seasons in charge at Reggina, notably preserving their top-flight status on the final day this season despite beginning the campaign with an eleven-point deduction. Such success earned him and his players honorary citizenship of the town of Reggio Calabria.


Sampdoria will enter the Intertoto Cup in July's third round, and need only overcome a two-legged tie against opposition from either Bulgaria, Cyprus or Macedonia to reach the UEFA Cup second qualifying round.

Meanwhile, Novellino is still being closely associated with jobs at Torino, Juventus, Bologna and Napoli.


[Serie A 2006-07 Managerial Changes]

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