Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of Giampaolo Pazzini from Sampdoria for an undisclosed fee.
Defending champions boost strikeforce with Samp hotshot
Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of Giampaolo Pazzini from Sampdoria for an undisclosed fee.
The Italy striker passed a medical on Friday morning before putting pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract that runs until June 2015.
"Inter Milan have signed Giampaolo Pazzini on a permanent transfer from Sampdoria," read a statement on Inter's official website.
"The player will be unveiled tomorrow. As part of the deal, Inter have transferred Jonathan Biabiany to Sampdoria."
Pazzini is set to make his debut in Sunday's Serie A match against Palermo and the 26-year-old is thrilled to have joined the defending champions.
"It's a surprise and a great joy to be here," he added.
"I still cannot believe that it has happened. I am delighted and aware that I have joined a great club.
Enthusiasm
"I have so much desire to do well and I have a lot of enthusiasm.
"I arrive at a club that wanted me and that has given me confidence immediately. This has been important for me."
Pazzini is the second big name to leave Samp this month following Antonio Cassano's move to AC Milan, although the Genoa outfit have signed Massimo Maccarone from Palermo and taken Federico Macheda on loan from Manchester United earlier this month.
Inter had been searching for a new striker with Diego Milito having struggled with several injuries this season.
Pazzini was Samp's top scorer this season with six league goals and has been in top form ever since signing from Fiorentina in January 2009, scoring 36 goals in 75 appearances for Samp.
Winger Biabiany, 22, had made nine league starts this season for Inter, who are currently nine points behind league leaders Milan.