Sampdoria bust an alleged spy operation from rivals Genoa

Sampdoria have released a statement saying that they captured a man dressed in camouflage gear on suspicion of espionage, who was later found out to be Luca De Pra, Genoa’s youth goalkeeping coach, and emancipated him despite clear evidence against the Grifone man for spying on a closed training session ahead of the derby della Lanterna clash between the two sides.

The club also added that they missed out on a second observer from the other side, who managed to flee before getting caught.

The statement released on their club website www.sampdoria.it read:”That the derby is a question of nerve, tactics and strategy we already knew, but frankly we could never expect that it could turn into an scene of espionage.

“Like Rambo hidden among the branches on the hill, Luca De Pra, Genoa goalkeeping coach and man of noble footballing ancestry, failed to overcome Sampdoria’s intelligence and counter intelligence operations.

“However, no prisoners were taken, and no blood was shed. Once tracked down and caught red-handed, the opposing side’s soldier was let free to return to base.

“You should always forgive your enemies, as nothing annoys them more.”

Genoa immediately suspended Luca De Pra rubbishing the allegations that they employed their youth team coach as a secret agent.

They issued a statement saying, “No director or member of the coaching staff sent Luca De Prà, goalkeeper coach for the youth team, to watch the training session at Bogliasco. It was a personal initiative.

“This has never been done before and is not part of the club’s modus operandi. The club makes it known that De Pra has been suspended with immediate effect pending further explanations.”