Ħamrun Spartans president Joseph Portelli has confirmed his interest in acquiring an Italian football club – and said that owning Serie B side Sampdoria would be a “dream,” even as he pursues other potential opportunities.

Speaking to the Times of Malta, Portelli explained that while Sampdoria would be a top choice, he is exploring multiple options across Italy’s football divisions.

“The truth is, as I always stated, that if God forbid, Sampdoria goes bankrupt, it would be the ambition of every president and investor to take over such a club,” Portelli said. “If they go into administration, I would not even blink twice about it, even if they start in Serie D.”

He added that Sampdoria is on his “wishlist,” but emphasised he is not waiting indefinitely: “Such a club attracts multiple investors, and I’m also pursuing other clubs. Life is short.”

Reports from Italy indicate that Sampdoria’s financial situation remains complex. Should new owners take over before 2033, half of their debts – estimated between €30 and €40 million – would become immediately payable, deterring many would-be buyers.

Portelli noted that he was initially focused on acquiring a Serie C club but is now open to Serie B or even Serie D. “One of the advantages of buying a Serie D club is that you get it cheap and then you can spend just €2 million to take it into Serie C,” he said, estimating club valuations in Serie C at €6–7 million and in Serie B at between €10–17 million.