Pazzini passed a medical this morning before putting pen to paper on a four-and-a-half year contract which will keep him at the San Siro until June 2015.

A statement from Inter read: "Inter Milan have signed Giampaolo Pazzini on a permanent transfer from Sampdoria.

"The player will be unveiled tomorrow.

"As part of the deal, Inter have transferred Jonathan Biabiany to Sampdoria."

The 26-year-old striker will make his debut in Sunday's match against Palermo and is delighted to have landed at Inter.

"It's a surprise and a great joy to be here," said Pazzini on the club's official website, www.inter.it.

"I still cannot believe that it has happened. I am delighted and aware that I have joined a great club.

"I have so much will to do well and I have a lot of enthusiasm.

"I arrive to a club that wanted me and that has given me confidence immediately.

"This has been important for me."

Pazzini, who was Sampdoria's leading scorer with six Serie A goals this season, is the second big name to leave the Genoa outfit this month following Antonio Cassano's move to AC Milan.

Samp signed Massimo Maccarone and brought on-loan Manchester United striker Federico Macheda earlier this month.

Inter had been searching for a strike with Diego Milito having struggled with several injuries this season.

Pazzini has excelled since his move to Sampdoria in January 2009 from Fiorentina, scoring 36 goals in 75 appearances.