Chiesa links up with Lazio

S.S. Lazio have signed former AC Fiorentina striker Enrico Chiesa on a free transfer.

Terms to discuss
The 31-year-old Italian international became a free agent after the Tuscan club were officially declared bankrupt with reported debts of €22m, and agreed terms with president Sergio Cragnotti and Roberto Mancini at the club's Formello headquarters today.

Economic crisis
Chiesa has 104 Serie A goals from 234 appearances from a career which has included spells with Parma AC, UC Sampdoria and Fiorentina. He has signed a two-year deal reportedly worth €1.5m a year.

Signings frozen
Lazio were this week unable to complete the signings of Hellas-Verona FC defender Massimo Oddo and AC Chievo Verona pair Eriberto and Christian Manfredini due to their parlous economic state. The arrival of Chiesa would appear to pave the way for Hernán Crespo to join Internazionale FC.

Born again
Meanwhile, Florencia Viola - the club formed in place of the old Fiorentina - played their first match last night in front of 30,000 people in Florence. They lost 1-0 to Pisa Calcio in a Serie C Cup match.