Former Juventus coach Marcello Lippi is backing Andrea Pirlo over his move to Sampdoria.

Pirlo was named new coach of Samp ahead of their Serie B campaign - and under new ownership.

Lippi said: "I like everything about Sampdoria. I like this coach, Andrea Pirlo, a fantastic guy who will be able to pass on his ideas to team and to the players.

"It is clear that there will be some effort, some suffering, but Pirlo is a person of great quality, intelligence, sensitivity. He will certainly do well.

"I am convinced that Andrea will be able to build a good team to go back up again immediately.

"The Scudetto in Serie A? I say the usual notes. But let's think about the B Scudetto..."