[Mercato] Pazzini makes Samp switch

Sampdoria have signed Giampaolo Pazzini from Fiorentina, sending his fellow forward Emiliano Bonazzoli on loan in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

The 24-year-old Pazzini has penned a contract until June 2012 with the Blucerchiati, who have reportedly paid 9million euros for his services.

The former Italian Under-21 international, who famously scored the first hat-trick at the revamped Wembley Stadium in London, joined Fiorentina from Atalanta in January 2005 and went on to score 25 times in 108 Serie A games for the Viola.

This season only three of his 12 appearances have been from the start, however, with coach Cesare Prandelli preferring Alberto Gilardino and Adrian Mutu.

Bonazzoli, 29, has been a hit in the UEFA Cup for Sampdoria this season, scoring four times in five games, but failed to find the net in nine league outings.

His move to the Stadio Artemio Franchi could become permanent in the summer.

Fiorentina will face Ajax in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 next month, when Sampdoria come up against Metalist Kharkiv.

Source: UEFA