Grabbi returns to Italy

Blackburn misfit Corrado Grabbi has returned to Italy, joining Serie A strugglers Ancona.

The 28-year-old forward has put pen to paper on a contract which expires in June 2007, the club’s website www.ancona.it reported.

The club, situated on Italy’s Adriatic Coast, were promoted to Serie A last summer but look destined for an immediate return to the second division after failing to win a top-flight game so far this season.

A prolific season with Ternana in Serie B in 2000-01 saw Grabbi score 20 goals in 34 games and earn a £7m (€9.9m) move to Blackburn.

However, he failed to make an impact with the Premiership club and in his first season in England was loaned to Sicilian club Messina.

He now returns to Italy for good after two and a half unproductive seasons with the Ewood Park club.