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Sampdoria success tinged with sadness

Coach Luigi Del Neri has been heavily linked with Juventus in the media and club owner Riccardo Garrone confirmed sporting director Beppe Marotta was already heading for the Turin club.

"Marotta already gave me his resignation letter two days ago. Del Neri will tell me something tomorrow," he told reporters after Sampdoria beat Napoli 1-0 at home to finish fourth in Serie A.

"Let's just think about what we have achieved. Samp in the Champions League, it's a fantastic thing," the former AS Roma, Porto, Chievo and Atalanta coach told Sky TV.

"It's a result which I think is equal to the scudetto won all those years ago because... the team has matured a lot and achieved great results," said Del Neri, wearing a crisp new shirt after prankster Cassano's antics.

Strike partner Giampaolo Pazzini, who scored the crucial goal to boost his hopes of being in Italy's World Cup squad announced on Tuesday, was also coy about his own future.

"We have done something historic to return to the Champions League after so many years. I only want to celebrate. I honestly don't know what will happen," he said.

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