Former Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati has been appointed the new manager of Italian side Sampdoria, a club fighting to get back on its feet after a tough year.
During his spell in Glasgow, he made over 50 appearances, scoring a handful of important goals, including a memorable last-minute winner in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Italian now returns to Sampdoria as their new head coach. He had a brief loan spell with the club as a player in the 2003/04 season. Sampdoria, once a big name in Italian football, are now playing in Serie B and came very close to dropping into the third tier last season. They stayed up thanks to a relegation play-off and the off-field troubles of Brescia, who were hit with financial problems.
Buon lavoro mister Donati. #ForzaDoria 🔵⚪🔴⚫⚪🔵 pic.twitter.com/Qmyu27tevw
— U.C. Sampdoria (@sampdoria) July 14, 2025
Donati will be expected to steady the ship and push the club back up the table. It’s a big step up for the former Hoops man, who has been building his coaching career in Italy over the past few years. He’s managed lower-league sides like Legnago and had spells on the coaching staff elsewhere, learning his trade after hanging up his boots.
His appointment comes at a time when Sampdoria are trying to rebuild after financial struggles and poor results on the pitch. Donati will be looking to bring stability and fresh ideas to a club in need of direction.
Celtic fans will remember Donati as a hard-working midfielder who brought experience and a bit of flair during his time in Glasgow. His move into management has flown under the radar for many, but this new job at Sampdoria puts him back in the spotlight.
It’s a big challenge, but also a big chance for Donati to show what he can do in the dugout.
