Italy backup 'keeper Cragno joins promoted Monza

Rome, Italy, June 27, 2022 (AFP) - Italy goalkeeper Alessio Cragno has signed for Silvio Berlusconi's promoted Monza for their first season in the Italian top-flight, the Serie A club announced on Monday.

Cragno joins on loan for a year from relegated Cagliari with an option to buy.

The 28-year-old started his professional career with Serie B side Brescia from 2012 to 2014 before joining Cagliari.

Cragno has two caps for Italy having mainly acted as understudy to number one goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. He has played 166 Serie A matches.

Monza, based just north of Milan, were promoted to the Italian top-flight after getting past Brescia and Pisa in the Serie A play-offs.

Monza were still in Serie C when former Italian Prime Minister and media tycoon Berlusconi bought the club in 2018 for a reported three millions euros ($3.4 million).

Berlusconi's period as owner of AC Milan saw them win five European Cups and eight Serie A titles.