Werder Bremen confirm Caldirola signing

Bundesliga side Werder Bremen have confirmed the signing of Italian defender Luca Caldirola from Inter.

The 22-year-old captained his country at the recent UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Israel and has joined Bremen on a four-year deal.

Caldirola, who never made a senior appearance for Inter, has spent much of his career on loan, with spells at Vitesse Arnhem, Brescia and Cesena, and will join up with his new team-mates for their pre-season training camp.

Bremen manager Thomas Eichin is confident that Caldirola will develop into a great player for the club.

“Luca has quite a few games under his belt as a 22-year-old,” he told the club’s official website.

“He has a certain cleverness and has the ability to lead a defence. We hope to develop a very good player in the coming years.”

Caldirola led his side to the final in Israel earlier this month before being beaten by Spain and he revealed his desire to emulate legendary compatriot Alessandro Nesta, who earned 78 caps for his country.

“It’s my dream to be like him one day,” he told the club’s official website, before switching his attention to Bremen.

“Werder is one of the top clubs in the Bundesliga. I am very happy to be here and will give my all in the Werder jersey.”

Bremen endured a disappointing season last time out, finishing 14th, just three points above Hoffenheim in the relegation play-off place.