Shock in Italy as Sampdoria relegated to Serie C

An away 0-0 draw against Juve Stabia on Tuesday sent Sampdoria to Serie C for the first time in 79 years.

Italian side Sampdoria, the club with which Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini made history in the early 90s by winning a Scudetto and reaching the European Cup (Champions League) Final, have been relegated to Serie C.

The Blucerchiati finished 18th in the Serie B table, joining Cittadella and Cosenza in Italy’s third division.

Samp were held to a 0-0 away draw at Juve Stabia on Tuesday night in the final game of the regular season in Serie B.

The Blucerchiati had a troubled campaign, which began with Andrea Pirlo in charge. Leonardo Semplici replaced the 2006 Italy World Cup winner in December, while Alberico Evani took over in April, winning two games, drawing three and losing only once.

Massimo Cellino’s Brescia secured survival after a struggling season thanks to a 2-1 win over Reggiana in the final Serie B round, which sent Salernitana and Frosinone to the playout.

Cremonese will meet the winner of Juve Stabia-Palermo in the playoff for Serie A, while Spezia will face Catanzaro or Cesena.

Sassuolo and Pisa have already been promoted to Italy’s top division.