Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of Italy defender Andrea Ranocchia from Genoa. The 22-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year deal that will keep him at the San Siro until June 2015.

Ranocchia, who won his first senior international cap in the friendly against Romania in November, started his career at Arezzo before moving on to Genoa in 2008.

Andrea Ranocchia is officially an Inter player. The defender signed a contract that will keep him with the club until June 2015.
Inter Milan statement

However, he spent much of his time on loan at Bari before sealing his move to the defending European and World champions.

A statement on the Inter website said: "Andrea Ranocchia is officially an Inter player. The defender signed a contract that will keep him with the club until June 2015. He will wear the number 15 jersey."

Inter next play on Thursday when they host second-placed Napoli as they look to make up the 13-point deficit to Serie A leaders and city neighbours AC Milan.