Sampdoria’s president Massimo Ferrero has revealed to Sky Sport Italia that his Palermo counterpart, Maurizio Zamparini, recently threatened his life. The threat supposedly occurred over the potential transfer of Palermo midfielder (and captain) Edgar Barreto.
On the subject, Ferrero has stated, “Zamparini insulted me, made death threats and now he is frankly going over the line.”
“I received a three-month ban for making a joke (for referring to Inter Milan’s owner as a ‘Filipino’), so now I expect the justice system to intervene, because I am fed up with him.”
“He gets publicity for himself by insulting me. Enough with the insults. I called him to ask about Barreto and he threatened to kill me! Zamparini needs to take a long hard look at himself and think of how many players he has taken away from others in an ungentlemanly manner.”
Ferrero went on to finish, “I called him and said there could be this negotiation with Barreto, but I respect old men and therefore he should stay calm. I get on with all presidents who aren’t mean. Every now and then Zamparini loses his head.”
Zamparini, of course, quickly responded to the allegations and even went as far as questioning Ferrero’s mental health. Palermo’s president told Gazette dello Sport, “Ferrero is insane. I never threatened to kill anyone. I have the messages stored. I told him not to talk to Barreto until we have discussed the renewal and I wrote: ‘Bravo, you’ll look on the bank of the river.’ This is certainly not a threat.”
Ferrero, who just became Sampdoria’s owner/president last summer, is seen as somewhat of a character. The 63-year-old claimed just last week that activating superstar Leo Messi’s reported £184 million buy-out clause from Barcelona would be possible for Sampdoria. Ferrero began his career as a movie producer. The Italian has been a part of over 30 movies since the 1970’s.
Not to be outdone by Ferrero, Palermo’s Zamparini is also a bit different from most soccer team presidents. The outspoken Zamparini reportedly once threatened to cut off his players’ testicles & eat them in his salad. The 73-year-old has also made 27 total managerial changes at Palermo since he purchased the club in the summer of 2002.
The two Italian clubs have already played each other two times during the Serie A season (both matches ending in a 1-1 draw) and will not get a chance to face-off until the 2015-16 campaign. Personally, I will be keeping an eye out for next season’s Serie A schedule to be released and circle the dates for when Palermo and Sampdoria play each other.
