Sampdoria has welcomed Americo Branco as the new sporting director. The Portuguese executive has arrived in Italy and is heading to Genoa, where he will begin his adventure with the blucerchiati. Branco, former sporting director of Fortuna Sittard, has signed a two-year contract, succeeding Andrea Mancini, who was dismissed two weeks ago. Sampdoria, now under the guidance of CEO of football area Jesper Fredberg, is also waiting to officially promote Lorenzo Ariaudo as technical director and hire a new head scout. A name circulating is that of Josè Coelho, a former youth player of Inter. The situation for the new coach is still being defined, with Davide Possanzini and other profiles like Velazquez and Van Bommel in the running. Today, Sampdoria also received sad news with the passing of Remigio Griggi, a great fan and minor shareholder of the club. The funeral will be held on Friday at the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte.