Sampdoria coach Gigi del Neri is happy to be working with his former Roma striker Antonio Cassano.

"Cassano even turned up a few days early to start work at the training ground," commented Del Neri.

"This proves how professional and hungry he is for success. He is truly changing. It is going to be a very important season for him and I think both Antonio and Giampaolo [Pazzini] can win back the Italy jersey."

Del Neri added: "The foundations of the squad are the same as last season and remain solid. The fans should relax, as we have it in hand, we are just looking for players who would fit in.

"I don't know how many of us will be making the journey for the training camp on Saturday, but we are only in a rush to get the players we have already identified, not some mysterious Mr X."