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Struggling for time on the pitch and goals at Southampton, Manolo Gabbiadini decided it was time to return to Italy to give Serie A another go.

The forward was sold permanently to Sampdoria, kickstarting his second spell at the club, having previously played there between 2013 and 2015 prior to his move to Napoli.

Since his return, the former Southampton striker has scored two goals and assisted his teammates once in five games, which is already double what he managed in 15 appearances at St Mary’s during the first half of the campaign.

Speaking to DAZN, relayed by Calciomercatoweb.it, Gabbiadini, who was barely given a chance under Ralph Hasenhuttl, revealed that choosing to leave England was quite an easy decision, primarily due to the desire to play under Marco Giampaolo.

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He said: “He’s a manager that I like because of the way he plays. I didn’t get in touch, there was no need to convince me. I already knew what it takes to wear this shirt. I know many people here and the city, so for me it was a simple choice to return to Sampdoria.”

During his time at Southampton, Gabbiadini scored 12 goals in 60 appearances, having previously scored 25 in 79 at Napoli and 19 in 50 during his first spell at Sampdoria.