Bremen sign Italy U-21 skipper Caldirola
Bremen - SV Werder Bremen have strengthened their back row for the coming season with the acquisition of Italy U-21 captain Luca Caldirola from Inter Milan
"A great opportunity"
The 22-year-old central defender, who was latterly on loan at Serie B outfit Brescia Calcio, put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Weserstadion on Wednesday afternoon (26 June).
"Luca Caldirola's a very interesting player, with a lot of experience despite his youth. He's captain of the U-21s and has already demonstrated his leadership qualities at club level. His potential was evident at the recent European U-21 Championships. He's got excellent technique and a real flair for opening things up from the back. We're very happy he's chosen to come to Werder Bremen," sporting director Thomas Eichin enthused.
For his part Caldirola, who was an ever-present for Italy as they progressed to the final of the tournament before losing to Spain, said, "Werder Bremen have given me a great opportunity. When my agent told me Bremen were interested, I said straight away that I'd like to join them. Werder are a club with a great tradition and I'm really looking forward to the years ahead."
U21 old hand for Italy
After working his way through the youth ranks, Caldirola was offered his first professional contract in 2009 by Inter, and in subsequent loan spells at Dutch side Vitesse Arnheim, AC Cesena and Brescia he invariably established himself as a first-team regular. In all, he has well over than 50 Serie B appearances under his belt and eleven more in the Dutch top flight - in addition to 31 outings for Italy's U-21s.
