Chelsea have announced the signing of former AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia on a free transfer following a short trial with the club.
Amelia who was part of the Italy squad that won the 2006 World Cup has also played for Roma, Palermo and Genoa but after being let go AC Milan he had to drop down 5 divisions to reignite his career at amateur side Rocca Priora before being picked up by Serie B club Perugia.
Amelia joins Chelsea to provide backup for Asmir Begovic with first choice keeper Thibaut Courtois unavailable as he continues to battle back from a knee injury which is expected to keep him out until December.
Chelsea are fortunately able to sign free agents because they named only 19 players over 21 in their 25-man Premier League squad.
