Sampdoria debates Italian sporting director while Parma Primavera coach renews contract

Former Sampdoria midfielder Enrico Nicolini said he would have preferred an Italian sporting director for the club and urged that the new Portuguese director, Americo Branco, be paired with an Italian head coach. Nicolini suggested candidates such as Fabio Pecchia or Possanzini and emphasised the director’s role as a bridge between the team and the board.

In a separate development at Parma, youth coach Nicola Corrent has agreed to extend his contract with the Primavera squad for a third year. After rumours linking him to Atalanta U23 or other Serie B clubs, the club confirmed the renewal, keeping Corrent in charge of developing young talent.