Mancini set for Sampdoria return as Head of Technical Area | OneFootball

Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini is reportedly close to returning to Sampdoria as the Head of Technical Area, with Beppe Iachini hired as the new coach.

Sampdoria legend Mancini is ready to return to Sampdoria in an attempt to avoid relegation to Serie C, Italy’s third division.

Sky Sport Italia and Il Corriere della Sera report that Mancini is finalising an agreement with President Matteo Manfredi to take over as Head of Technical Area.

Mancini set for Sampdoria return as Head of Technical Area

Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy interacts with Alberigo Evani, Assistant Coach of Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Italy and Austria at Wembley Stadium at Wembley Stadium on June 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images)

At the same time, Iachini, a former Sampdoria coach, is expected to replace Leonardo Semplici, who had taken over from Andrea Pirlo in December.

Sampdoria are fighting for survival, sitting 18th in the Serie B table, level on 32 points with Reggiana.

Their latest 2-0 loss against regional rivals Spezia infuriated the fans so much that the team could not return to Genoa, forcing them to move to Italy’s training ground, Coverciano.

Sampdoria players were supposed to train under Semplici today, but the imminent changes at the club mean they may not work on the pitch on Monday.

According to reports, sporting director Pietro Accardi will leave the club alongside Semplici.

Mancini won a Serie A title with Sampdoria in 1991 and reached the Champions League Final with the Blucerchiati in the following season.

Iachini has already coached Samp in 2011-12, contributing to a Serie A promotion.