[D-Kin]

Newly appointed Sampdoria boss Walter Mazzarri is looking forward to the challenge of leading the one-time Italian champions.

The former Reggina tactician was officially unveiled to the media on Tuesday and he’s delighted with his two-year deal.

“I am very happy to be here and I hope I will be able to concentrate only on my job as a Coach,” said Mazzarri.

“This is a prestigious and serious club. I decided to come here not only for this reason, but also because I feel that there is great organisation and respect for everyone’s role.

“I will only take care of the technical aspects, all the rest does not depend on me and I believe this is very important.

“Our priority for next season remains Serie A, although we will take part in the Intertoto tournament which will represent an important test.”

Moving on to squad matters, the former Livorno boss is keeping his fingers crossed that Sergio Volpi will remain rather than follow Torino-bound Coach Walter Novellino out of the club.

“I like Volpi a lot and I hope he will not leave,” added the tactician. “I would like to have at least two alternatives for each role and a squad with 18 players.

“I want to work hard as I did with Reggina last season when we obtained an historical result,” concluded the Blucerchiato.

General director Beppe Marotta confirmed that the club intends to keep Volpi and is also hoping that Fabio Quagliarella will not leave town either.

“Angelo Palombo and Volpi are our starting points,” explained the official.

“Another player we would like to keep is Quagliarella and we hope to renew his co-ownership deal with Udinese.”

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