UEFA Champions League contenders SSC Napoli have signed midfielder Marco Donadel on a free transfer from ACF Fiorentina.

The 28-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Partenopei after failing to reach an agreement to extend his expiring contract with the Viola. Donadel has been drafted in as a replacement for Michele Pazienza, who left Walter Mazzari's side for Juventus earlier this month - also on a free transfer. "I am really looking forward to playing in such a historic and atmospheric stadium as the Stadio San Paolo," said the versatile player after penning his contract.

A hard-working midfielder, Donadel made his Serie A debut with AC Milan before stints at US Lecce, Parma FC, UC Sampdoria preceded a move to Fiorentina in 2005. Donadel, who appeared in 29 league matches last season, was also a UEFA Under-21 European Championship winner with Italy in 2004 and bronze medalist at the Olympics later the same year.

Napoli will play in the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League group stage after finishing third last season.