Milan, Jan 12, 2020 (AFP) - Italy international Mattia Caldara has returned on loan to former club Atalanta from AC Milan, the two Serie A teams announced on Sunday.

The 25-year-old defender, who has two caps for Italy, has been loaned for 18 months with an option to buy in a deal reported to be worth 15 million euros ($16.6 million).

Caldara came through the youth system at his hometown club Atalanta coming to the attention of champions Juventus during his breakthrough 2016-17 season.

He signed for Juventus in January 2018, with the champions leaving him on loan at Atalanta.

The following season Juventus sold the defender to AC Milan as part of a deal which saw Leonardo Bonucci return to Turin.

But his 18 months in Milan have been overshadowed by serious injuries and he played just twice for the club.

Atalanta have qualified for the Champions League last 16 and are on course to qualify for Europe next season as they are fifth in Serie A.