A bit of veteran depth goes to the bottom line of Toronto FC.
The team announced on Wednesday the signing of former Italian international defender Domenico Criscito.
After leaving Genoa with a free transfer, Criscito, 35, joins the club until 2023 with Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).
“Mimmo is a player who will add a valuable veteran presence to our team,” TFC President Bill Manning said in a statement. “He has played several important matches for his club and country during his career, he has been a captain at Genoa and we are excited for him to join our club.”
TFC director Bob Bradley says Criscito’s versatility and leadership are key additions to the team.
“Mimmo is a versatile defender who is a very good passer and a smart player,” Bradley said. “He can play as a left or center winger and should be a great role model for our young players.”
Criscito arrived at both Genoa and Juventus academies and made his Serie A debut with Juve in 2007.
After a four-season return to Genoa, Criscito joined Zenit in the Russian Premier League in 2011. In his seven seasons in St. Petersburg, Criscito won a couple of RPL titles and a Russian Cup. He rejoined Genoa in 2018.
Internationally, Criscito was called up 26 times by the Azzurri and participated in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He also represented Italy at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Criscito was expected to join the TFC early in the season, but opted to stay and help Genoa in their fight for relegation.
Finally, Genoa finished 19th and will play in Serie B next season alongside other clubs descended from Cagliari and Venezia.