Tacchinardi eager to take up challenge at Villarreal

Former Italian international midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi is looking forward to the challenge of adapting to Spanish football after signing a one-year deal with Primera Liga side Villarreal.

"I'm really happy to be embarking on a new adventure at this club," the 30-year-old former Juventus player said when he was unveiled to the media yesterday.

"I hope to use my experience to help the team face up to the difficult task of playing in the Champions League.

"I've spoken with players who are now in Spain but played alongside me at Juventus like (Marco) Di Vaio and Mark (Iuliano) and I know that Spanish football is different and that it won't be easy, but I'm determined to do well."

The midfielder said he had also asked former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi, who is now director of football at Real Madrid, for references about Villarreal.

"He (Sacchi) told me only good things about the team, that they played the best football in the league last season and that they've got some great players on their books."

Tacchinardi, who began his career at Atalanta, joins Villarreal after 11 years at Juventus where he won five league championships, one Italian Cup, the European Super Cup and the World Club Cup.

He did not play in the final when Juventus won the Champions League in 1996, but was involved in their defeats in the 1997, 1998 and 2003 finals.

His new side Villarreal face a tie against Everton in the third qualifying round of the Champions League after finishing in a best ever third place in the league last season.

As well as Tacchinardi the club have also signed Argentine goalkeeper Mariano Barbosa and Ecuador midfielder Antonio Valencia to strengthen their squad in the close season.