International players back at Giampaolo’s disposal, only Muriel still to return

Sampdoria had a double helping of training today as preparations ramp up ahead of the return to league action on Sunday at home against Sassuolo.

Marco Giampaolo had the welcome sight of four international stars reporting back for duty in the afternoon. Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Pereira, Patrik Schick and Milan Skriniar returned to Bogliasco in time for a recovery session in the gym and outside. Luis Muriel is expected back soon after representing Colombia in their recent World Cup qualifiers.

In the treatment room, Jacopo Sala, Emiliano Viviano, Carlos Carbonero and Daniel Pavlovic all pressed on with their returns to fitness.

There was also a blast from the past as former Blucerchiati player Fausto Salsano popped in to say hello at the training ground, accompanied by fitness coach Ivan Carminati and physiotherapist Alessio Agostino – Roberto Mancini’s right-hand men.

Sampdoria will be back out for training tomorrow afternoon, the last session of the week open to the public.