Inter have completed the signing of Italy forward Antonio Cassano on a two-year contract.
Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini has moved in the opposite direction as part of the deal, which involves an undisclosed fee going to the Rossoneri.
A statement on Inter’s official website read: “The Nerazzurri have signed the Bari-born striker on a permanent deal from Milan. He has signed a two-year contract which runs until June 2014.”
The Italy international missed a large part of last season after undergoing emergency heart surgery having suffered a stroke in October.
Inter issued another official statement which read: “Inter can confirm the permanent transfer of Giampaolo Pazzini to Milan. Pazzini, who scored 19 goals in 60 appearances for the Nerazzurri, leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.”
Inter president Massimo Moratti was quoted as saying: “Signing Cassano is an interesting move. I hope he can do well.
“He’s an interesting player and I hope he’ll be useful. We’ll be very happy if Cassano brings his enthusiasm with him.”
The 30-year-old began his career with hometown club Bari before making a name for himself at Roma.
He then became only the second-ever Italian player to sign for Real Madrid before returning to Italy with Sampdoria, originally on loan, in 2007.
Cassano’s successful spell at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris preceded a move to the San Siro in 2011.
“Finally I am at the team I have always supported,” the former Roma and Real Madrid player said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Inter were yesterday poised to complete the transfer of Napoli midfielder Walter Gargano on an initial loan deal.
Two years ago, the Uruguay international signed a contract extension to remain with the Partenopei until 2015, but yesterday he revealed a move north was imminent.
The 28-year-old said: “I’m moving to a great club. Inter have wanted me for a while and so I will do my best to repay the club.”
If the anticipated loan deal goes through, at an estimated cost of €1.25 million, Gargano will line up behind Cassano.
The Uruguayan continued: “The competition for places is a beautiful thing. Everyone has to play their best at all times.
“Cassano is a champion and a great personality.”
Gargano made over 163 appearances for Napoli since joining from Danubio in 2007.
He added: “I will be Neapolitan for the rest of my life. Two of my children were born there and the city will always be in my heart.
“I’m sorry, it was great playing for Napoli but this is a new adventure for me.”