United States U20 forward Gabriel Ferrari has reported to Sampdoria's preseason retreat in the small northern Italy town of Moena, but is facing stern competition for playing time during his first full season at the Genoa club.

The 1990-91 Italian champions have made several signings in the close season - three of whom are strikers - including the return of the club's idol Vicenzo Montella. In addition, the Ligurians replaced Walter Novellino - the coach who signed the American - with former Reggina boss Walter Mazzarri.

"Mazzari doesn't know who he is," a Sampdoria official who spoke to YA on the condition of anonymity said. "So he has to prove himself."

"Gabriel is training with the first team, and he will be until the beginning of the season, but I don't think he will be loaned out."

The young Yank played last season for Sampdoria's younger squad, and played an important role in the semifinal Primavera tournament, scoring the winning goal to reach the final against the eventual champions Inter Milan.

He also was given a cameo appearance in Coppa Italia, also against Inter.

"Gabriel is a very important player for us, and he is only improving," continued the official. "The club believe in him, and he is the future of Sampdoria."

"Who knows? Maybe he will blow the coach away, and be a normal first team player. He definitely has the potential."

Sampdoria, who finished in ninth place in last year's Serie A, start their new campaign on the 26th of August. They are also currently involved in Intertoto play, winning their first leg 1-0 in Bulgaria against small club Chern More Varna.