Walter Zenga declared himself "thrilled" to be returning to Sampdoria as he arrived in Genoa to take over from Sinisa Mihajlovic as head coach.
Zenga, 55, has been out of a job since leaving United Arab Emirates side Al Jazira a year ago, but knows Sampdoria well having spent two years as the club's goalkeeper from 1994 to 1996.
"I can assure you that it is a great thrill for me to come back here," he said on the club's official website. "I spent two unforgettable years in Genoa. To take the place of a friend such as Mihajlovic is a good challenge for me."
Zenga arrived hours after club president Massimo Ferrero confirmed he had entered talks with the former Italy goalkeeper.
Zenga has not coached in Serie A since being dismissed by Palermo in January 2010, but claimed he had not been short of offers before choosing Samp.
"Other offers? I had them," he said. "But when you know a president who has passion, determination, desire and a character as Ferrero, you do not hesitate to accept. And Samp is Samp."
Mihajlovic stood down on Monday after almost two years in the role amid speculation linking him with Napoli.
That came after he had guided Samp to seventh place in the campaign just finished, which could yet be good enough for a Europa League place.
Samp are likely to be offered a place in the competition if city rivals Genoa lose their appeal against not being granted a UEFA licence by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
