FLORENCE, ITALY - MAY 31: Vincenzo Montella manager of AFC Fiorentina gestures during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Chievo Verona at Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 31, 2015 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Sampdoria have appointed Vincenzo Montella as their new first-team coach on a contract until June 2018.
The former Italy international replaces former boss Walter Zenga, who was sacked on Tuesday, at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Montella, who previously managed Fiorentina, takes over with the club in 10th place in the Serie A table.
The 41-year-old has been without a job since leaving La Viola in June, having led them to a fourth-placed finish last term.
Montella had two spells at Samp as a player, scoring 54 goals in 83 appearances during a three-year association with the club between 1996-1999.
"President Massimo Ferrero and all at Sampdoria are pleased to announce that Vincenzo Montella is officially the new coach of Sampdoria," read a club statement.
"Montella has signed a contract that will tie him to the club until June 30, 2018 and will be helped by assistant coach Daniele Russo, technical assistants Nicola Caccia and Riccardo Manno, trainer Emanuele Marra, training analyst Cristian Savoia and match analyst Simone Montanaro."
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.