Former Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga is replacing Sinisa Mihajlovic as Sampdoria coach.

The Genoa team made the announcement Thursday, after Mihajlovic announced earlier in the week that he was leaving the club.

The 55-year-old Zenga played for Sampdoria from 1994-1996. He was also Italy's starting goalkeeper when the host Azzurri finished third in the 1990 World Cup.

Zenga says "it's very emotional to return here. I had two unforgettable years in Genoa."

Zenga previously coached Catania, Palermo and a many foreign clubs, guiding Steaua Bucharest and Red Star Belgrade to titles.

Sampdoria finished seventh last season, led by Brazilian forward Eder and helped by the arrival of former Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o.

Mihajlovic is near to taking over AC Milan from Filippo Inzaghi, who was fired Thursday.