AC Milan midfielder Antonio Nocerino has joined West Ham on loan for the rest of the season as he attempts to protect his World Cup prospects ahead of this summer’s tournament.
The 28 year-old Italy international has struggled to maintain a place in Milan’s starting line-up this term and has only made 11 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri, who are struggling in mid-table.
West Ham are deep in relegation trouble and the high profile signing of Nocerino is a statement of their intent to stay in one of Europe’s top divisions.
New Milan coach and former Botafogo stalwart Clarence Seedorf has moved quickly to plug the squad gap left by Nocerino by adding Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien on a permanent basis.
Nocerino made his Italy debut back in 2007 and has gone on to earn 15 caps. Notably, the former Juventus player scored in the Euro 2012 penalty shootout win against England. He is expected to be in the reckoning when the Italians announce their final 23 for the summer spectacle in Brazil.
