Music: {allcanada} IMPACT SIGN ITALIAN FORWARD DI VAIO AS FIRST DESIGNATED PLAYER

Thursday, May 24, 2012

{allcanada} IMPACT SIGN ITALIAN FORWARD DI VAIO AS FIRST DESIGNATED PLAYER

MONTREAL -- The Montreal Impact have signed Marco Di Vaio, making the Italian forward their first designated player.

The 35-year-old former Italian international, who costs Juventus 14 million euros (C$18 million) a decade ago, will be available to play once the transfer window officially opens June 27.

Di Vaio has 142 goals in 342 games in the top Italian league, with Lazio, Bari, Salernitana, Parma, Juventus, Genoa and, for the last four seasons, in Bologna.

"The addition of this experienced player will help the club move forward," Impact sporting director Nick De Santis said in a statement Thursday. "His professionalism and his character will help the club grow.

"He was the catalyst behind Bologna's success over the last four seasons, helping the club stay in Serie A."

He led Bologna with 10 goals and seven assists in 37 matches this season.

"It was not an easy choice to leave Bologna but I hope to be able to serve a similar role in Montreal, as I am prepared to give everything I have, including my experience and leadership for my coaches, my teammates and the organization," the Italian said in a statement.

Designated player means only a portion of his pay is applied to the team salary cap. A DP over the age of 23 counts as US$350,000 against the club's salary budget, unless the player joins his club in the middle of the season, as with Di Vaio, in which case his budget charge is only $175,000.

The Italian is slated to arrive in Montreal with his family on Sunday.

"We know he will bring a great element of attacking presence to our team," said Impact head coach Jesse Marsch. "His nose for attacking plays and ability to score goals will make us a better team."

Di Vaio also played for Valencia in Spain, AS Monaco in the French league, and Italy's Verona.

The five-foot-11, 172-pounder scored two goals in 14 games for the Italian national team and was a part of Italy's Euro 2004 Euro squad, which included the Impact's Bernardo Corradi and Matteo Ferrari.

Montreal (3-6-3) has not suffered for goals this season. The Impact have 18 so far -- only New York and San Jose (26), D.C. United (25) and Real Salt Lake (19) have more in the 19-team league.