Sampdoria announce Italy legend Andrea Pirlo as the new manager
Serie B side Sampdoria announce Italy legend Andrea Pirlo as their new manager. The former Juventus boss has signed a two-year deal.
The 44-year-old was in charge of Juventus in the 2020-21 season and won the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup. But he was sacked after finishing fourth in Serie A.
Sampdoria were relegated from the Serie A last season. They finished bottom under ex-Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic, who was appointed in October until the end of the season following the sacking of Marco Giampaolo.
Sampdoria will play in Serie B for the first time since 2011
The Italian side also won their only Serie A title in 1991. But now, they will play in Italy’s second division for the first time since 2011.
The club was also harmed by financial problems, salaries were also left unpaid, and a bankruptcy threat was also looming.
However a takeover bid led by two companies, one owned by former Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani, was accepted by outgoing owner Massimo Ferrero earlier this month.
Ferrero had to resign the presidency in December 2021 after being arrested for fraudulent bankruptcy. He was detested by fans for the parlous state in which he left the club.
Sampdoria announce Italy legend Andrea Pirlo on a two-year deal
Pirlo will return to Italy after his recent role at Fatih Karagumruk, which he left in May after finishing seventh in the Turkish Super Lig.
The legendary midfielder also won the World Cup in 2006 with Italy. The former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder retired in 2017. He has won multiple trophies, including two Champions Leagues and six Serie A titles.
He was appointed manager of Juventus Under-23s in 2020 before taking charge of the first team a week later following the dismissal of Maurizio Sarri.
However, his spell with Juventus was not good. He departed Juventus having won 34 of his 52 matches.
