Sampdoria players Giampaolo Pazzini and Daniele Mannini were attacked by fans on Sunday night.

Tuttosport says a number of fans jostled with Mannini and insulted Pazzini, leaving both players shaken up after their 1-1 draw with Catania.

"I am disappointed," Angelo Palombo, the club captain, explained. "We don't play as a team anymore and we should all examine our consciences.

"We were phenomenal before when we were at the top of the table and we aren't useless now. We need to change course, roll up our sleeves and work more.

"I understand their protests, their disappointment is also mine. There is only one way to win them back: start playing well and winning again."