The Italian midfielder becomes the squad's first signing of 2013
After a successful trial with the club back in November, Italian midfielder Andrea Pisanu has joined the Montreal Impact on loan for the 2013 MLS season.
Pisanu arrives from Serie A side Bologna FC, a club currently sitting in 14h place and three points above the relegation zone. Pisanu has not made an appearance this season.
The Montreal Impact announced the deal on Friday on their website.
"The Montreal Impact announced on Friday that Italian midfielder Andrea Pisanu has been loaned to the club by Bologna F.C. pending his international transfer and visa clearance. As per Major League Soccer and club policy, details of the deal were not disclosed."
Bologna FC released a statement on Thursday also via their team website.
"Bologna FC 1909 announces it has reached an agreement with the Montreal Impact for the temporary transfer of footballer Andrea Pisanu for the duration of one year. The player will join the Canadian team next week."
Pisanu sent this personal message from his twitter account on Thursday afternoon.
"Thanks everybody for your tweets. Can't wait to be in Montreal. See you soon," he said late Thursday afternoon.
This move will see Pisanu linking up with former Bologna FC teammate Marco Di Vaio. Both wore the Rossoblù kit between 2009 and 2011.
Born Jan. 7, 1982 in Cagliari, Italy, Pisanu made his professional debut for his hometown side Cagliari in 1998. He was loaned out to AC Siena the following year before making a permanent move to Chievo Verona. He spent three seasons with the Flying Donkeys before being loaned out to Serie C1 side AS Varese. In 2004, he transferred to Parma FC where he stayed for six seasons. He made the switch to Bologna FC in 2009 until he was loaned out last year to C1 side Prato.
The soon-to-be 31-year-old will reinforce the Impact's midfield, specifically on the flanks. Pisanu is a natural right winger, but can play on the left if needed or behind the striker. The flanks were an area of concern in the Impact squad last year. Their latest addition could add the much-needed support. Pisanu joins Davy Arnaud, Justin Mapp and Sanna Nyassi as the club's only wide midfielders.
The Italian impressed in his trial match against ACF Fiorentina back in November. Pisanu got the assist on Di Vaio's match-winning goal in the 25th minute. The Impact are hoping to have signed Pisanu in his prime, as the Italian scored 11 goals in 25 appearances last season while at Prato.
Fitness is a concern for the Cagliari native. Pisanu has only made more than 20 appearances in three of the 16 seasons of his career. His season high was 26 appearances for Parma FC in 2007/08. Last year's 25 appearances in Serie C1 were his second-most appearances in a season.
Having secured Pisanu on loan is somewhat of a positive for the Impact, as they are not tied up to the player long-term should his fitness become a problem.
With Pisanu, Montreal now have a squad of 22 players and one less international roster spot, leaving one slot remaining.
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