AC Milan continue business flurry with Paletta signing

Rome (AFP) - Italy international defender Gabriel Paletta became ailing Italian giants AC Milan's sixth signing of the winter transfer window on Monday as he joined from Serie A strugglers Parma.

The 28-year-old, Argentine-born, central defender -- who was a member of the Argentinian side that won the world Under-20 title in 2005 -- signed a three year contract with Milan bringing to an end a spell of almost five years at Parma.

Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi will be hoping that Paletta -- who was a member of the Italy squad at last year's World Cup finals playing in the 2-1 group phase win over England -- will along with the five other signings spark a revival in the club's form as they presently sit eighth in the table, 21 points adrift of leaders Juventus.

Inzaghi's other signings have seen two other defenders arrive in the shape of Salvatore Bocchetti, from Russian side Spartak Moscow, and Luca Antonelli (Genoa).

Spanish midfielder Suso joined from English Premier League side Liverpool -- with whom Paletta also had a short unsuccessful spell in 2006/07 -- and two strikers, Alessio Cerci, from defending Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, and Mattia Destro signed from Italian title challengers AS Roma.