LA SPEZIA, ITALY – AUGUST 18: Massimo Donati, head coach of Sampdoria, observes the field before the Coppa Italia match between Spezia Calcio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Alberto Picco on August 18, 2025. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Serie B team Sampdoria has officially terminated the contract of coach Massimo Donati due to a disappointing start to the season. Salvatore Foti, an assistant to Jose Mourinho, is poised to take over the managerial role.
For several weeks, the coach’s position had been uncertain, as the Blucerchiati have managed only one win, two draws, and five losses in Serie B this season.
Moreover, they suffered an early exit from the Coppa Italia after a penalty shootout loss to Spezia.
Sampdoria Faces Challenges
The decisive factor for the sacking was this weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Virtus Entella, leading to the announcement regarding Donati’s dismissal.
Additionally, assistant managers Davide Mandelli and Andrea Faccioli were also relieved of their duties.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Foti is expected to be appointed as the new head coach of Sampdoria, although he currently lacks full coaching qualifications.
This necessitates his collaboration with another coach who possesses the required credentials to officially oversee the team.
At just 37 years old, Foti has previously served as an assistant at clubs like Sampdoria, Milan, Torino, Roma, and Fenerbahce, working under Jose Mourinho since 2022.