eSerie A TIM Draft: AlviOh 96 joins Samp as new FIFA gamer

AlviOh 96 has joined Sampdoria eSports as our newest FIFA gamer following the first-ever edition of the eSerie A TIM Draft, which took place in Milan on Tuesday morning.

There were 17 gamers involved in the draft, each vying for a place with a Serie A club. But it was AlviOh 96 – or Francesco Alviani, to give him his real name – that was chosen by Sampdoria to wear the famous Blucerchiati jersey this season.

“It was an amazing feeling when I heard my name,” said Alviani after the draw. “I’m delighted. The draft gives me loads of motivation to continue my journey in eSports.”

The 24-year-old also told us a little more about his career so far.

“I always loved playing football, even more than I enjoyed watching it,” he said. “I’ve tried to take what I learned on the pitch and incorporate it into gaming. I’ve always had a passion for videogames, but I only got into football games gradually. I realised that – if I trained – I could do well and even compete in a tournament like eSerie A. I want to thank my friends for encouraging me to improve and raise my game.”

Last but certainly not least, we asked Alviani what the first thing is that springs to mind when he thinks of Sampdoria.

“[Fabio] Quagliarella!” he said with a smile. “He’s one of the best strikers Italy has ever produced.”