Sampdoria have suffered relegation from Serie A down to the second tier of Italian football.
The side from Genoa are mathematically condemned following a 2-0 defeat away at Udinese on Monday. Sampdoria are 13 points adrift of safety, with a maximum of 12 points available to them. As a result, the Blucerchiati will be in Serie B at best next season.
Their relegation caps off a brutal 2022/23 campaign for Sampdoria, in which they have taken just three wins. And, to add insult to injury, local rivals Genoa have sealed promotion back to Italy’s top division in their place. But that may be the least of Sampdoria’s concerns.
Sampdoria: their bankruptcy worries amid Serie A relegation
The Italian club are in the midst of a financial crisis. According to Italy 24 Press News, Sampdoria are over €200m in debt. Their economic troubles have compounded issues both on and off the field – for example, the Blucerchiati nearly suffered a points deduction over unpaid wages.
President, Massimo Ferrero, also stepped down during the chaos of the past few years. Unfortunately, though, he is still the majority shareholder of the Serie A side.
This means that he still has the deciding say on all matters – including on selling the club. Despite Sampdoria being up for sale, Ferrero has reportedly rejected offers for the Serie A team. Interested investors from the US and Qatar have offered hope yet have so far been turned away.
Per Football Italia, the Court of Genoa has permitted Sampdoria just a few months to find a buyer before they go bankrupt.
Should they go under, the club will have to start next season from Serie D – the fourth tier in Italy’s football pyramid.
Speaking after the confirmation of their Serie A departure, Sampdoria manager Dejan Stankovic shared his thoughts on the club’s dire situation.
Blucerchiati boss Stankovic: “This club deserves better”
Sampdoria’s coach expressed his sorrow that his side were now going down.
“A huge disappointment; I feel an enormous sadness,” said Stankovic, via DAZN. “We all feel bad, but we gave everything. I know that every fan does not want to accept this day, but we fought with dignity on the pitch and in the stands. They were always by our side, even in the hard times we were together.
“This club deserves better. I hope this situation can be resolved in the best possible way.”
Due to Sampdoria’s problems, Stankovic himself faces some uncertain weeks.
“I can’t say anything about the future, it is not up to me,” he added. “These questions are for someone else. I tried, it wasn’t enough, and I’m sorry. This has been a difficult period. I am very disappointed and cannot find the words for how I feel right now.”
Sampdoria will see out their 2022/23 Serie A campaign with games against Empoli, AC Milan, Sassuolo, and champions Napoli.
Featured image credit: Getty
