First day of training for Strinic and Zapata. Baiardo friendly on Saturday

Sampdoria’s latest recruits Ivan Strinic and Duvan Zapata were made to sweat their way through a double session by taskmaster Giampaolo on their first day at the office on Friday.

In the morning, the boss oversaw a session involving tactical work in groups on the main pitch at the Centro Sportivo Mugnaini. Academy kids Ibourahima Balde, Mario Curito, Filippo Oliana, Alex Pasteur, Giacomo Piccardo, Joao Claudio Gomes Ricciulli, Francesco Scotti, Andrea Tessiore and Michal Tomic were drafted in to make up the numbers.

After lunch, the squad worked on technique and possession before ending with a training game.

Dodo Pires continued his rehab work while Edgar Barreto had physio followed by a session in the pool.

A friendly match against local side Baiardo has been arranged for Saturday. Due to the ongoing work at the training ground and safety restrictions, members of the public and the media will not be able to attend the game.