Serie A: Pioli favourite for Sampdoria job

While Beppe Iachini is also an option, multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia, the Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport all point to Pioli.

The tactician turns 54 later this month and had been on the Fiorentina bench until he resigned in April following a disagreement with the club owners.

Before that, Pioli had spells at Chievo, Palermo, Bologna, Lazio and Inter.

The 2-0 defeat to Hellas Verona left Samp propping up the table with one win and six losses in the opening seven rounds.

Even more concerning than the results are the performances, as Di Francesco has been unable to give the team an identity or any sense of determination.