Sampdoria chief Beppe Marotta has warned Fiorentina off midfielder Angelo Palombo.

"Fiorentina and Cesare Prandelli are allowed to like players," acknowledged Marotta. "But Angelo is our leader and we will keep him close to us.

"We want to remain at the top of the Italian game. Sampdoria want to win in Europe next season and we are striving to become more competitive."