A former Serie A side that has been relegated to the Italian third division could miraculously survive the drop due to a never-before-seen scenario.
Following a 0-0 draw with Juve Stabia, Italian side Sampdoria were relegated to Italy's third tier for the first time in 79 years on Tuesday.
Despite club legends Alberico Evani and Attilo Lombardo returning to the coaching department, a dismal record of just eight wins in 38 league matches saw the former Scudetto winners drop to Serie C.
However, a shocking new development has presented Sampdoria with the chance to hold on to their place in the second division with a truly unique scenario.
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Like the Premier League, the bottom three teams in the 20-team Serie B are automatically relegated to the third division following the end of the season.
However, a fourth team also is relegated from the Italian second tier, as the two teams in 16th and 17th position face off in a two-legged relegation-play off to determine who stays in the division.
Sampdoria finished the 2024/25 season in 18th place on 41 points, but it now appears that, despite the season being over, they will be moved up to 17th in the table as 15th place Brescia - who finished the season on 43 points - will be handed a points deduction.
Although it is yet to be confirmed, it is believed that Brescia will received a four point deduction for unpaid player wages, meaning that they will drop below Sampdoria and be automatically relegated to the third tier.
The deduction would also see Frosinone, who are currently 16th, secure safety by dodging the play-offs, while Sampdoria will move to 17th.
This leaves Sampdoria with the opportunity to fight for their survival in a two-legged match Salertinana, with the winner remaining in Serie B.
Sampdoria made history back in 1991 when they defied the odds and won the Serie A title with a side that boasted world class players including former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.
However, the club has recently been declining, culminating in them being relegated from the Italian top division at the end of the 2022/23 season after 11 years in the top-flight.
Ben McCrum