Iliev makes Messina move
Monday, July 12, 2004
Article summary
Serie A newcomers FC Messina have signed Serbia and Montenegro striker Ivica Iliev from FK Partizan.
Article body
Serie A newcomers FC Messina have signed the Serbo-Montenegrin international Ivica Iliev on a free transfer from FK Partizan.
Disappointing season
The 24-year-old striker, who has agreed a one-year deal with the Sicilian club, won three league titles with Partizan. He scored a crucial goal at Newcastle United FC in last season's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round that helped take Partizan into the group stage of the competition but the Belgrade club's season ended in disappointment as they lost their league title to FK Crvena Zvezda.
Loan signings
Iliev becomes Messina's fifth acquisition of the summer, following four loan signings. Defender Marco Zanchi and midfield player Davide Baiocco have both joined from Juventus FC for 12 months. AC Milan youngster Massimo Donati will also spend the season at the Giovanni Celeste stadium, as will UC Sampdoria's Japanese forward Atsushi Yanagisawa.
