Struggling Sampdoria fire D'Aversa after 1 win in last 8 league matches

Rome, Jan 17, 2022 (AFP) - Roberto D'Aversa has been sacked as Sampdoria coach following a run of just one victory in their last eight matches, the Serie A side announced on Monday.

According to Italian media, Sampdoria will turn to 54-year-old Marco Giampaolo, who coached them from 2016-2019.

The club thanked D'Aversa - who replaced Claudio Ranieri last summer when the latter left for Premier League side Watford - for the "serious and professional manner in which they conducted their work."

D'Aversa leaves after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Torino - their third successive loss - left Sampdoria just four points above the relegation zone.

They have a potentially crucial relegation six-pointer with 16th-placed Spezia this weekend, but before that on Tuesday, they play Juventus in the Italian Cup.