Billio handed Aberdeen chance

Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen FC have boosted their squad ahead of the UEFA Cup first round tie with Hertha BSC Berlin by signing former Dundee FC midfield player Patrizio Billio.

Dundee dispute
The 28-year-old has endured a troubled past 12 months having firstly fallen out with the former Dundee manager Ivano Bonetti and then been told to train on his own while the dispute rumbled on. The Treviso-born player also took the club to court after he alleged that he was assaulted on the street outside Dundee's Dens Park stadium on the say-so of a club official. A judge dismissed the claim and Billio left Dundee in July.

Second chance
Now, though, Aberdeen manager Ebbe Skovdahl has given Billio a second chance in Scottish football and will use the experienced former Milan AC signing to help in the league and UEFA Cup with German side Hertha awaiting in the first round.

'An excellent pedigree'
Skovdahl, whose side beat Moldovan club FC Nistru Otaci 1-0 on aggregate to progressin the UEFA Cup, said: "Billio has an excellent pedigree and is a technically gifted player. He will be a big asset to us as we try and progress in the league and Europe."

Ninth senior club
Billio, now with his ninth senior club, is short of match fitness and missed the game on Sunday against Partick Thistle FC, but said: "I want to show the people in Scotland that Dundee made a mistake by not signing me. I am excited at the prospect of playing for Aberdeen."

Fabiano signs
Aberdeen have also registered former Paris Saint-Germain FC player Nicolas Fabiano after a deadline day deal was concluded.