Montreal’s trans-Atlantic pipeline is open, and Italians seem to be the only imports that pique the Impact’s interest.
Yet another Serie A product landed in Quebec on Friday, as Montreal announced attacking midfielder Andrea Pisanu had officially joined the club on a year-long loan from Bologna FC, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate (ITC) and visa clearance.
As per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
READ: Impact confirm deal in the works to acquire Italian Pisanu
Pisanu, who turns 31 on Monday, trained with the Impact during their postseason visit to Italy during November and was a teammate of Marco Di Vaio during the striker’s time with the rossoblù.
"We are very pleased to have been able to come to a loan agreement with Bologna," Impact sporting director Nick De Santis said in a statement. "Andrea can play behind the forward or as a wide player. We are adding another player with good offensive qualities who has a good understanding of the game.
“We are excited to bring in another first division player who is extremely motivated to come to MLS, and more importantly he will start the training camp from day one with the team. This will put him in a better situation to adapt to his teammates and to the style of soccer the team plays."
In 75 career Serie A games – 71 of those with Parma FC – since making his debut in 2004, Pisanu has scored six league goals as well as three in UEFA Cup matches. He’s played in the top division with Parma, Cagliari, Verona and Bologna, and enjoyed a successful season (11 goals in 25 games) on loan with AC Prato in the Italian third tier last season.
READ: Impact owner Saputo responds to Di Vaio transfer rumors
Pisanu struggled for playing time at Bologna, appearing in just two Serie A matches and six reserve matches. He’s also suited up for Serie B sides Cagliari, Hellas Verona and Parma, as well as playing in third division with Siena and Varese on loan during his career.
With the Impact, the 5-foot-11 midfielder will compete with rising star Felipe Martins for minutes at attacking midfield and could also be deployed on the wings.
