Gilardino joins struggling Pescara

Pescara have agreed to sign veteran striker Alberto Gilardino as they look for a boost in their struggle against Serie A relegation.

Gilardino, 34, spent the first half of the season at fellow strugglers Empoli but failed to score in 14 league appearances – five of which were starts – and has reportedly rescinded his contract in order to move.

Pescara are bottom of Serie A having won only one of 18 games, but have announced the striker’s arrival on Monday and posted photos of him training with them.

A statement on the club’s website read: “The squad worked at the gym and on tactics while newly signed Alberto Gilardino arrived at the centre. 

“In the afternoon he will work on his own with his personal trainer. He will later sign the contract along with president Daniele Sebastiani.”

Gilardino, who has previously represented the likes of AC Milan, Fiorentina and Genoa, has 188 career goals in Serie A.

That record in front of goal has him level with Alessandro Del Piero and above Gabriel Batistuta in the league’s all-time goalscoring charts.

Pescara are away to Napoli on Sunday.

Benvenuto Alberto @GilaGilardino @SerieA_TIM #ForzaPescaraSempre #calciomercato #SkySerieA @Sport_Mediaset pic.twitter.com/xophboJjGD

— Pescara Calcio (@PescaraCalcio) January 9, 2017