Southend’s shock equaliser at Stamford Bridge has earned the Shrimpers a lucrative FA Cup replay against Premier League heavyweights Chelsea next Wednesday.

Sampdoria have signed Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini, the Serie A clubs have confirmed.

The former Italy Under-21 international, 24, was a regular last season for the Florence side but since the arrival of Alberto Gilardino from Milan in the close season, he has dropped down the pecking order.

Fiorentina have allowed him to leave despite striker Adrian Mutu suffering an elbow injury which could keep him out for a month. As part of the deal, Fiorentina have taken Sampdoria attacker Emiliano Bonazzoli on loan.

“Fiorentina announce the permanent transfer of Giampaolo Pazzini to Sampdoria,” the club said on their website (it.violachannel.tv) without giving any further details of the deal.

Southend’s shock equaliser at Stamford Bridge has earned the Shrimpers a lucrative FA Cup replay against Premier League heavyweights Chelsea next Wednesday.