City style attracts Italian

MELBOURNE City has signed a 10-year veteran of Italy’s Serie A in a bold statement ahead of its A-league title defence.

Italian Manuel Pucciarelli spent more than a decade playing predominantly for Empoli, making 136 Serie A appearances.

He joins Socceroos star and new recruit Mathew Leckie and golden boot winner Jamie Maclaren in City‘s attack.

Pucciarelli, 30, has signed a two-year-deal having recently spent time on loan at UAE club Dibba Al-fujairahand.

“I‘ve spoken to (football director) Michael (Petrillo) and Patrick (Kisnorbo) about the style of football that City plays and the quality of players in the squad,” Pucciarelli said. “There are talented players across the whole pitch and City plays a style of attacking football that suits the way I like to play.”