Ranieri visits Samp for Special programme in Doria dressing room at Marassi

When the participants of the Samp for Special programme were told that they needed to drop into the stadium to pick up their new kit ahead of their third season, they probably weren’t expecting it to turn into a day they will never forget.

Once they arrived at Marassi, they found the hallowed home dressing out laid out with their brand-new kit, ready for the start of the new league season, which is being run by FIGC for the first time. Yet the surprises didn’t stop there, as a knock at the door was soon followed by the familiar face of first-team coach Claudio Ranieri.

The coach spent around 20 minutes with the Samp for Special group, offering sage advice – to work hard, play as a team and have fun – and posing for photos before saying his goodbyes and wishing the team the best of luck for the new season.