According to Sky Sport and after 48 hours of talks, Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has chosen Marco Giampaolo to be his next coach. The former Empoli boss had been linked with the vacancy at Milan before former Samp coach Vincenzo Montella moved into position. Now it seems as though he has beaten off competition from Stefano Pioli for the hot-seat at the Marassi. Reports suggest that an agreement has been reached for a two-year-deal and an announcement is imminent.