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.

Andrea Pirlo was appointed the new manager of Sampdoria on Tuesday as the former Italian champions try to bounce back into Serie A at the first attempt. In a statement Samp said that they had entrusted Italy icon Pirlo with "the role of coach in charge of the first team until June 30, 2025". Last month Pirlo, 44, left Fatih Karagumruk with three games left in the Turkish season and the club in mid-table. Pirlo won two Champions Leagues and six Serie A titles as a player .