Sampdoria appoints Americo Branco as sporting director in staff overhaul

Italian club U.C. Sampdoria announced the appointment of Portuguese 35‑year‑old Americo Branco as its new sporting director, pending FIGC formalities. Branco joins after roles at Olhanense, Académica de Coimbra, Tondela and Fortuna Sittard. The restructuring also sees former player Lorenzo Ariaudo become technical director, Mattia Stante take over as team manager, and José Manuel Barbosa Alves assume responsibility for scouting.

The changes are presented as the first step in rebuilding the club for the upcoming Serie B season, with the search for a new head coach now under way. CEO Jesper Fredberg said the club has "worked tirelessly to reorganise the sporting management" and that the new appointments will lay a solid foundation for future success, including an ambitious summer transfer window.