Emanuele Giaccherini joins Bologna on season-long loan from Sunderland

Things haven't exactly worked out for Emanuele Giaccherini at the Stadium of Light, but his tumultuous time there is receiving a lifeline.

The Italian midfielder joined Bologna on a season-long loan from Sunderland on Monday, with neither club commenting on whether or not the deal includes an option to buy.

Giaccherini, 30, joined Sunderland in 2013 on a four-year contract but has failed to establish himself as part of the club's starting XI, largely because of injuries. He has yet to take the pitch this season through four Premier League matchdays.

His agent, Furio Valcareggi, spoke about his client's need to play consistent earlier in August, saying: "He lost all of last year and now cannot afford to lose another chance. This is the year leading up to Euro 2016 and he really wants to be there."

Bologna, similarly to Sunderland, has accumulated zero points through its first two Serie A fixtures this season.