Sampdoria have narrowed the search for their new coach down to two names, ex-Frosinone boss Fabio Grosso and former Alanyaspor tactician Francesco Farioli.
The Blucerchiati were relegated at the bottom of the Serie A table, but managed to avoid bankruptcy this summer after the takeover from new owners Andrea Radrizzani.
Now they are in the process of preparing for a new season in Serie B and need a coach to take over from Dejan Stankovic.
Grosso had seemingly got the job after deciding to walk away from Frosinone, despite topping the Serie B table to earn automatic promotion into the top flight.
Now Sky Sport Italia suggest that talks with Grosso have hit problems and there is another prime candidate who might even be the favourite.
He is Farioli, the former Alanyaspor coach who at the age of 34 surprised everyone with his time in Turkey, working for both Alanyaspor and Karagumruk.
Farioli was the goalkeeping coach at Benevento and Sassuolo under Roberto De Zerbi before breaking out on his own.
A key decision is expected to be made tomorrow at the Sampdoria headquarters.
Fotomac suggest that Farioli was also linked with OGC Nice.