Rapaic returns to Italy

Struggling Serie A side Ancona Calcio have signed the experienced Croatian international Milan Rapaic.

Italian return 
The 30-year-old was a free agent after cancelling his contract with HNK Hajduk Split but previously played 120 matches in Serie A during a four-year spell with AC Perugia between 1996 and 2000.

Decisive tie 
Rapaic had been linked with a move to British football after training with both Liverpool FC and Celtic FC last month. The news he has resolved his future will please national team coach Otto Baric ahead of Croatia's two-legged UEFA EURO 2004™ play-off against Slovenia on 15 and 19 November.

World Cup glory
The forward started his career with Hajduk before joining Perugia, then moved on to Turkey for three seasons with Fenerbahçe SK. During the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Rapaic scored the winning goal for Croatia in their 2-1 win over Italy.

Struggling side
Ancona have not won a Serie A match yet this season and are second from bottom with three points from eight matches. The newly promoted side also have the worst attacking record in the division, having scored only four goals so far.