<
>

Paolo Cannavaro signs Sassuolo deal

#INSERT type:image caption:Paolo Cannavaro battles with Mario Balotelli. END#

Paolo Cannavaro has signed a new three-year contract with Sassuolo, bringing an end to speculation linking him with a move away over the summer.

Defender Cannavaro arrived at Sassuolo from Napoli in January, immediately taking the captain's armband.

The 33-year-old helped them avoid the drop during the second half of the season, sparking speculation that a number of other Serie A clubs were interested in signing him.

But agent Gaetano Fedele told Sportitalia television: "Paolo has signed a new three-year contract, committing himself to this club's future plans. He is staying put."

Cannavaro was one of the most prominent names in the winter recruitment drive that turned Sassuolo's fortunes around.

After having amassed only 14 points from the first 18 games of the season, they picked up 20 from the next 20 games to finish two places above the relegation zone.

This summer, the club have made the loan move of Davide Biondini from Genoa permanent while also signing Federico Peluso from Juventus.

Top scorer Domenico Berardi will also be staying on loan from Juventus for another season.