Manchester City have completed the signing of Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi for an undisclosed free.
The 24-year-old becomes new City manager Sven Goran Eriksson’s first signing.
Bianchi scored 18 goals last season that helped retain Reggina’s top-flight status.
Former England boss Eriksson hopes Bianchi maintains his scoring form at City.
“He scored nearly 20 goals last season in Serie A, which is a lot of goals in such a difficult league,” he told the club’s official website.
“He’s young, and I think it’s a very important signing because he should have a great future. He’s a good footballer as well as a good goalscorer, which is what we need.
“If you can score nearly 20 goals in Serie A and you are not with one of the top clubs like Milan or Juve then you must be talented.
“It’s a good record, and let’s hope he continues with it. I’m very optimistic about Rolando.”