Former Yugoslav international Sinisa Mihajlovic has quit as Serbia coach to take over Italy's Sampdoria where he played in the 1990s, the Football Federation of Serbia (FSS) said on Wednesday.

"Mihajlovic is no more Serbia coach," an FSS spokesman told AFP.

Mihajlovic announced late Tuesday he had decided to quit the post.

"I regret it since I formed a new generation and a new team," the 44-year-old told reporters.

"I accepted the invitation of Sampdoria where I played for four years," Mihajlovic added.

He was named Serbia coach in May 2012, but his team failed to qualify for next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.

Mihajlovic has already coached Fiorentina, Bologna and Catania in the Italian Serie A after a distinguished playing career which saw him win the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade in 1991 and the Italian league title with Lazio Rome.

Mihajlovic played for Sampdoria from 1994 to 1998.

Earlier this month struggling Sampdoria sacked coach Delio Rossi as they battled against relegation from the Italian top flight.