Pirlo, who coached Turkish club Fatih Karagümrük last season, has signed a two-year contract, Sampdoria announced Tuesday.
Pirlo, the former midfield maestro who helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup, began his coaching career at Juventus but lasted only one unsuccessful season with the Bianconeri.
Last season, Pirlo coached Fatih Karagümrük’s team, which finished seventh in the Turkish championship.
Last season, Sampdoria won only three matches and finished last in Serie A, resulting in relegation. Combined with the relegation of rival Genoa to the top division, Sampdoria is under pressure to succeed under Pirlo.
Pirlo will replace Dejan Stankovic, whose contract expired at the end of the season.
