Something had to change at Sampdoria. As it turned out, after a frenetic January transfer window, very little didn’t.

The club, one of Italy’s most recognisable institutions, have been flirting with relegation to the country’s third tier for the first time in their history. The risk of such an embarrassment shocked the owner – London-based Matteo Manfredi – into action.

In came 10 new faces at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, out went 11 in the opposite direction. That number could become 12 should the out-of-favour Fabio Borini find a new home in Turkey in the coming days.

Those arriving covered just about every area of the pitch, from back to front – a strong indication of just how wide-reaching their problems have been during a dismal campaign. 

Up top, firepower was added in the form of M’Baye Niang, last seen on Italian shores firing Empoli to Serie A safety in the final minute of the final day last May.

At the other end, Alessio Cragno arrived to solve the Blucerchiati’s issues in goal. The Italy international is still just 30, and has designs on putting his own spell to forget behind him. 

It was his form for Cagliari that saw him cement a place once upon a time in Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri squad, and there is still belief from those around him that the shot-stopper still has heights left to hit. 

“Football taught him, everything is possible if you put in tenacity and you know how to overcome difficulties,” his former coach Massimo Rastelli told sampdorianews.it this week. 

“Alessio can return to high levels, he must play a lot, provide important performances and return to Serie A. He has all the skills to succeed, he has been coming from two very difficult years, I am convinced that little by little he can also climb to certain levels.”

Of course, all the business conducted comes at a cost and, even though the window has shut, Sampdoria are still facing more fees to pay.

According to reports, accumulating one more point in Serie B is all that is needed for six obligation-to-buy clauses to be triggered, setting the club back a further €8million. 

It should be taken as a positive that there is a certain level of expectation the criteria will be met this weekend. A win last Saturday over rock-bottom Cosenza has changed the mood music around the Ferraris, and there is optimism that the club can begin to look upwards once more, rather than over their shoulder.

Ahead of them in that pack chasing a play-off place is Saturday’s visitors, with Modena level on points with Palermo – the club currently occupying the eighth and final spot. 

While their opponent’s window revolved around who came and went, for Modena it was about who didn’t. The Gialloblu held their resolve in keeping attacking midfielder Antonio Palumbo, despite strong interest from league leaders Sassuolo. 

“I spoke with Palumbo, he is an exemplary professional and he immediately went back to work with great determination. It is normal for a player to evaluate opportunities, but he cares a lot about the team and staff and is focused on Sampdoria,” the club’s sporting director Andrea Catellani told reporters this week.

“He is a point of reference for Modena, with a long and important contract. Sassuolo’s interest is understandable, being first in the standings and probably destined for Serie A, but I have never felt from him the will to leave at all costs.”

Palumbo is probably destined for Serie A, too – with or without his current club. 

Watch Sampdoria vs Modena LIVE this Saturday at 16:15 GMT on tv.destinationcalcio.com or on our app. Download to your Android or Apple device today.