Andrea Pirlo will return to Italy to coach Sampdoria in Serie B. Pirlo, who managed Fatih Karagümrük of Turkey last season, signed a 2 year contract with Sampdoria on Tuesday.
Pirlo, the renowned midfield magician who helped Italy win the World Cup in 2006, started his time as a coach at Juventus but only lasted 1 season.
Pirlo led Fatih Karagümrük to 7th place in the Turkish league last season.
Last season, Sampdoria won only 3 games and finished last in Serie A, resulting in relegation. With local rival Genoa promoted to the top flight, Sampdoria is under pressure to succeed under Pirlo.
Dejan Stankovic, whose contract ended at the end of the season, is replaced by Pirlo.