Knežević jumps at Juventus chance
Monday, June 30, 2008
Article summary
Juventus have bolstered their defensive ranks by loaning Croatian international Dario Knežević from AS Livorno Calcio with a view to a permanent signing.
Article top media content
Article body
Loan plan
The versatile 26-year-old has joined the Turin club on a season-long loan after returning from UEFA EURO 2008™, where he made three appearances for Croatia before suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 victory against Poland. He played 35 Serie A games for Livorno in 2007/08 but could not prevent his side suffering relegation. The versatile Knežević will link up with another defensive recruit, Sweden's Olof Mellberg, who is arriving on a free transfer from Aston Villa FC – a move agreed last January. Claudio Ranieri's team have also secured, with UC Sampdoria, the co-ownership of goalkeeper Antonio Mirante. The 24-year-old will spend the coming campaign with the Bianconeri, having featured 13 times for Sampdoria last term. Juventus start their UEFA Champions League attempt in the third qualifying round after finishing third in Serie A.