Sampdoria midfielder Christian Maggio has sent a message of support to former coach Walter Novellino after his dismissal at Torino this week.

"I am disappointed at his sacking, even though Torino weren't going through a good period," Maggio explained to Tuttomercatoweb. "I can say that Walter is a fantastic person and I want to thank him for believing in me so much.

"So much changes from year to year and he found himself in a different atmosphere, which possibly caused him some problems.

"The results weren't coming and that never helps when you are trying to build relationships."