AC Milan appoints Montella as head coach

The former striker leaves his role as Sampdoria boss to take the helm of a club that has underperformed in recent seasons, finishing seventh in 2015-16.

Vincenzo Montella during his time at Sampdoria.

AC Milan has announced the appointment of Vincenzo Montella as successor to Cristian Brocchi on a two-year deal.

The former striker leaves his role as Sampdoria boss to take the helm of a club that has underperformed in recent seasons, finishing seventh in 2015-16. It has been five years since the San Siro club lifted the Scudetto and Montella will be charged with bringing success back.

"Vincenzo Montella is our new coach, he has signed a two-year contract which begins on July 1," read a statement. "It is the belief of the club that the style of play of the new Rossoneri coach will be the basis of a fruitful and positive collaboration."

"A heartfelt thanks to Cristian Brocchi for the enthusiasm, preparation and intensity with which he approached his career as Milan coach with the youth team, the Primavera and the first team."

The 42-year-old enjoyed a three-year spell at Fiorentina, where he missed out on silverware after losing the 2014 Coppa Italia final to Napoli, before moving to Sampdoria in November 2015 having achieved three top-four finishes. Results improved following the former Italy international's arrival at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and he now has a chance to prove himself at one of the country's biggest clubs.

Brocchi had stepped up to the top job following the sacking of Sinisa Mihajlovic in April.