Sampdoria veteran Fausto Pari urges action as Pisa names scout‑turned director Leonardo Gabbanini

Former Sampdoria midfielder Fausto Pari said the club’s recent loss to Mantova left him “very scared” and urged owner Joseph Tey to act decisively. Pari warned that the team needs experienced staff who understand Serie B and stressed that “the words are blown away by the wind, now the facts are needed.” He reflected on the club’s history and the pressure on players, calling for a clear sporting strategy to regain stability.

In Pisa, the club appointed Leonardo Gabbanini as sporting director, emphasizing his long career in scouting, coaching and interim roles at clubs such as Tottenham. The move counters the perception that he is “just a scout,” highlighting a broader shift in football where scouting expertise is increasingly valued in executive positions. Gabbanini’s hiring follows similar paths taken by figures like Tony D’Amico at Atalanta and Geoffrey Moncada at Milan, illustrating the modern sport’s emphasis on talent identification and strategic planning.