Zambrotta returns to Italy with Milan

Italy full-back Gianluca Zambrotta has completed a move to Milan from Barcelona, the Serie A club said.

Milan have sought Zambrotta for a long time and last week chief executive Adriano Galliani said the Spanish side were asking too much for the 31-year-old.

However, Milan's website reported yesterday that Zambrotta was now a Milan player although no fee or length of contract was disclosed.

Zambrotta, who can play on either flank, joined Barca in 2006 following the demotion of former club Juventus for their part in Italy's match-fixing scandal.

He never hid his desire to return to Italy one day but joins Milan after Carlo Ancelotti's side finished fifth in Serie A and failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Milan needed a defender after Brazilian full-backs Cafu and Serginho left at the end of the campaign. Paolo Maldini is also yet to sign a new deal for what will be his final season.

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini was Milan's first signing for next season while they are bringing jointly owned striker Marco Borriello back from Genoa after selling Alberto Gilardino to Fiorentina. Several other deals are expected.

Zambrotta, a World Cup winner with Italy two years ago, looks certain to start their opening Euro 2008 match against the Netherlands in Berne on June 9.