Juve splash out on forward Iaquinta

Vincenzo Iaquinta wants to help Juventus scale the heights of European football once again after joining the Turin club in an €11.3m transfer from Udinese Calcio.

'Step forward'
The former Reggiolo Calcio, Padova Calcio and Castel di Sangro Calcio striker leaves Udinese after seven years at the Stadio Friuli, a spell which included 58 league goals in 176 appearances. "It was the right time to make a step forward in my career," said Iaquinta, 27, after penning a five-year contract. "I want to reach the top and help this club reach the highest levels both in Italy and Europe. It's a great challenge but I thrive under pressure."

World Cup
Iaquinta made his Italy debut in a friendly game against Iceland in March 2005, and now has scored once - in the FIFA World Cup against Ghana - in 19 outings for the Azzurri. He will link up with three fellow world champions at Juve, Gianluigi Buffon, Alessandro Del Piero and Mauro Camoranesi.