Crystal Palace Miss Out on Italian World Cup Winner Alberto Gilardino as Striker Signs for Spezia

Serie B outfit Spezia have announced the signing of Italian striker Alberto Gilardino.

The 35-year-old, who had been without a club since being released from Pescara, will wear the No.10 for his new side, and has become the first World Cup winner to ever represent them.

A statement on their official website reads: "Spezia Calcio reports that they have made a deal with Alberto Gilardino, who was released from his last experience in Serie A with the shirt in Pescara, who will wear the No. 10 jersey in his new adventure at the Gulf of Poets.

"An exciting career for the first world champion in the history of the white club that this  afternoon will join the squad of Mr. Gallo, ready to "play the violin" under the Curva Ferrovia, as he did over 220 times in his career !!!"

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The player was reported as being a target for Crystal Palace, who recently lost Christian Benteke to injury and expect him to be out for at least six weeks.

New manager Roy Hodgson is said to have looked to the free agent pile in an attempt to solve the club's goal-scoring problem. Palace have played seven Premier League games without scoring a single goal, while letting in 17.

Gilardino, having won the World Cup and the Champions League, presented an experienced option with a bit of prestige as well. But they will have to look elsewhere now that the player has found himself a new home.