Back to work for Samp with Alvarez and Cassano returning to group training

Vincenzo Montella’s Sampdoria squad kicked off their preparations for this weekend’s trip to the Stadio Barbera in Palermo at a sunny Bogliasco on Wednesday morning.

With former Blucerchiati captain Sergio Volpi in attendance, the squad warmed up before focusing on a number of technical and tactical drills. As well as youngsters Giacomo Calo, Griedrius Matulevicius and Olger Merkaj, the group was also bolstered by the returns of Ricky Alvarez and Antonio Cassano.

Carlos Carbonero continues his rehabilitation programme in Barcelona, with David Ivan and Niklas Moisander also focusing on their recovery work.

Montella has scheduled an afternoon session behind closed doors for Thursday.