In a blow to budding Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Serie B club Sampdoria have parted ways with head coach Andrea Pirlo following a string of unfavorable results.
The decision comes as a blow to 19-year-old midfielder, who viewed Pirlo as a mentor and key influence in his decision to join the Italian club on loan from Inter Milan. In his first interview with the club, Akinsanmiro expressed his excitement at working under the Italian legend.
“First of all, I chose Sampdoria because they’re a great club and represent a great opportunity for me… I’m also here for the coach, Pirlo, a legend who played the same role as me. He will help me a lot to grow and improve my game,” he said.
The Beyond Limits Academy product quickly earned the trust of the 2006 World Cup winner, securing a spot in Sampdoria’s starting lineup and starting all their matches so far this season.
Super Eagles prospect preparing for life without Pirlo
Pirlo’s departure leaves Ebenezer Akinsanmiro without the mentor he had hoped would help shape his development.
Prior to the coaching casualty, the young midfielder had shown promise, having made four appearances so far this season—three in Serie B and one in the Coppa Italia.
As Sampdoria searches for a new head coach, Akinsanmiro will look to continue building on his early performances, eager to gain the valuable first-team experience that brought him to the Blucerchiati.
Akinsanmiro joined Sampdoria on loan for the 2024/2025 season from Inter Milan, where he is considered a prospect. The youngster will now face the challenge of adapting to a new coach as he continues his development in Italy’s lower division.
