AC Milan's forward Alberto Gilardino attends a news conference in Yokohama, south of Tokyo Dec. 7, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 29 -- Former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino has transferred from AC Milan to Fiorentina, the Tuscan club said Wednesday.

    Gilardino scored 36 goals over three seasons at Milan, but never fully lived up to his hype as the next great Italian forward.

    Gilardino started several games during Italy's World Cup victory in 2006, but has since been dropped from the team and will not play in the European Championship next month.

    Fiorentina reportedly paid a ？14 million (21.8 million U.S. dollars) transfer fee, and has signed Gilardino to a five-year deal worth ？1.65 million per season, plus bonuses and incentives.

    Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli previously guided Gilardino when the pair were with Parma.

    Fiorentina will play Champions League qualifying matches in August. Milan will have to settle for the UEFA Cup for next season.

    (Source: Shanghai Daily/ Agencies)