Bianchi returning to Italy
Rolando Bianchi has joined Lazio on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.
The 24-year-old Italian striker only joined City from Reggina in the summer but has struggled to make an impact, despite scoring in the opening-day victory at West Ham.
City confirmed the move tonight on their website, indicating the forward will be available to the Roman club for this weekend's Serie A fixture against Torino.
Bianchi signed for City for £8.8m but has not settled at Eastlands, scoring four goals in 19 league appearances and often finding himself behind Emile Mpenza in the pecking order at Eastlands.
Lazio spokesman Giacomo Mazzocchi earlier told PA Sport: "There are still all the practicalities left to sort out, such as the medical and signing the contract, but the deal should be completed today or tomorrow."
Lazio are 14th in Italy's top flight, just two points clear of the drop zone.
Bianchi told the Italian club's official website, www.sslazio.it: "I had a couple of other very interesting offers but I chose Lazio for my future and because I wanted to be valued in a very great team.
"It was a choice that I thought about and thought about again so now I am sure that it is the right one and the future will prove it.
"First I will have the opportunity to play and, moreover, I will be happy.
"I was pleased to meet the other Lazio players. I have the impression that they're a very united group, which is right when you want to build something solid for the present and the future."
