 With the Genoese side he played two Serie A seasons, but in the second season Sampdoria conceded the third largest number of goals in the season, and the side was relegated to Serie B.The "Blucerchiati" failed to return to Serie A but finished fifth, thus Castellini was signed by Serie A struggler Bologna.In 2001–02 season, Bologna finished 7th and qualified for 2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup.