Sampdoria boss Dejan Stankovic broke down in tears and left a post-match interview with DAZN on Monday after a 1-1 draw against Empoli.
The Blucerchati have already been relegated to Serie B and were held to draw at the Stadio Marassi on Monday night by Empoli, who have now mathematically earned survival.
TV Presenter Corrado Tedeschi, a famous Sampdoria fan, was one of DAZN’s guests for their post-match show and moved Stankovic to tears during a live interview.
“Personally, I wanted to thank Stankovic because maybe another coach would not be there,” he said.
“He is still there and he gave us dignity. Sampdoria played all games with dignity, but I challenge everyone to coach a team without a club behind, with all these problems.”
Tedeschi saw Stankovic leave the interview and looked surprised, saying: “I hope he didn’t take what I said badly.”
DAZN correspondent at Marassi reassured him that Stankovic was not angry with him. On the contrary, the Inter legend was in tears and had left the interview: “He was touched, he can’t make it,” said the journalist.
Stankovic returned after a few seconds: “Thanks for the nice words, which touch me deeply,” he said.
“I don’t show it but I have so many emotions inside.”
Sampdoria are going through a tough time on and off the pitch and after relegation, they also risk bankruptcy although the latest reports in Italy suggest owner Massimo Ferrero has received an offer to sell the club.