Serie A outfit Sampdoria in takeover talks

Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero is reportedly in talks to sell the Serie A club to a group of American investors, with club legend Gianluca Vialli reported to be involved in the deal. 

67-year-old Ferrero, who made his money in film production, bought the Genoa based club in 2014 and has stolen the limelight at times. Ferrero, nicknamed “Viperetta” (little viper) has been investigated for fraud during his time as president and also accused Maurizio Zamparini, owner of fellow Serie A side Palermo of threatening to kill him back in 2015 following a row over midfielder Edgar Barreto. 

It’s been reported in Italian media that the Sampdoria president will meet with the potential new American owners on Wednesday in London. 

The Americans appear to have been made aware of the fact that Sampdoria may be available, by former player and club legend Vialli, who scored 85 goals in 223 games for the club. 

There are currently two sides in the top tier of Italian football with American owners, AC Milan who are owned by Elliott Management Corporation and Roma who are majority owned by NEEP Roma holdings. 

One sticking point may be the valuation of the club. Ferrero values the club, who currently sit eighth in the league, at a minimum of €100 million.