Samsunspor signs Italian defender Gabriele Guarino

Samsunspor has signed 22-year-old Italian defender Gabriele Guarino to a five-year contract that runs until 2031. The center-back joins the Turkish Süper Lig club from the Italian Serie B side Empoli.

Guarino, who stands 1.93 meters tall, developed in the Empoli youth system and has previously played for Modena and Carrarese on loan. During the 2025-2026 season, he appeared in 37 official matches in Serie B, contributing three goals and two assists. He is also a regular member of the Italy U21 national team.

The signing ceremony was attended by Samsunspor President Yüksel Yıldırım in Istanbul. Yıldırım expressed confidence that the defender's physical presence, aerial ability, and playmaking skills would provide significant value to the squad.