Napoli land Lucarelli from Parma

ROME (AFP) – Napoli on Saturday signed forward Cristiano Lucarelli on loan from Parma with the opportunity to buy him outright at the end of the season.

Former Italy international Lucarelli, 34, has been brought in to replace Argentine German Denis, who recently moved to Udinese.

“I’m happy that this deal is finally concluded, for me it’s a great satisfaction to be able to play with the Napoli shirt at the San Paolo stadium in front of excellent fans,” said Lucarelli, who has six Italy caps.

“It’s a dream come true and the fact it’s come at 34 is even better.”

Lucarelli began his career in the lower divisions but made his name during a four-year spell at Livorno during which he scored 92 goals in 146 league games from 2003-2007, earning all his caps during this period.

He also played for Valencia in Spain and Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine during his 18-year career.