Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero says Palermo chief Maurizio Zamparini “made death threats” and “threatened to kill” him during a text message exchange about the potential transfer of Paraguay midfielder Edgar Barreto.

Ferrero—who recently received a three-month ban after referring to Inter Milan’s Indonesian owner Erick Thohir as “that Filipino,” per Football Italia—spoke to Sky Sport Italia (h/t The Guardian) about Zamparini’s alleged comments:

Zamparini insulted me, made death threats and now he is frankly going over the line. I received a three-month ban for making a joke, so now I expect the justice system to intervene, because I am fed up with him.

He gets publicity for himself by insulting me. Enough with the insults. I called him to ask about Barreto and he threatened to kill me!

Ferrero continued, suggesting Zamparini needs to change his attitude, per The Guardian:

Zamparini needs to take a long hard look at himself and think of how many players he has taken away from others in an ungentlemanly manner. I called him and said there could be this negotiation with Barreto, but I respect old men and therefore he should stay calm. I get on with all presidents who aren’t mean. Every now and then Zamparini loses his head.

Zamparini has denied these allegations and suggests he has kept proof of the conversation. “Ferrero is insane. I never threatened to kill anyone,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t The Guardian). “I have the messages stored. I told him not to talk to Barreto until we have discussed the renewal and I wrote: ‘Bravo, you’ll look on the bank of the river.’ This is certainly not a threat.”

The relationship between the pair is perhaps frayed due to both clubs currently competing for a spot in the Europa League. Sampdoria are seventh with 35 points in Serie A, while Palermo have played a game extra and currently reside two points from this position. Both teams have aspirations to make fifth, currently occupied by Fiorentina on 39 points.

Two 1-1 draws have been played out between the clubs this campaign, with Barreto grabbing an assist in the Jan. 25 fixture, per WhoScored.com. Highlights of this match can be seen below:

Alongside the partnership of Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez, captain Barreto has played an important role in Palermo’s push up the table. The 30-year-old midfielder has scored twice, provided five assists and averages 3.2 tackles per match this season, per WhoScored, a snapshot of his ability to control the centre.

He has so far “refused” to sign a new contract—his current deal runs out in the summer of 2016—a factor which continues to see him linked with Palermo’s rivals, reported by Football Italia.

While Ferrero appears keen to land the Paraguay player, it seems heated discussions are likely to continue if a deal is to go ahead.

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