Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is delighted to have made Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi his first signing at Eastlands.

The 24-year-old has become Eriksson's first signing as a Premier League manager, with the new Manchester City boss splashing out £8.8million of Thaksin Shinawatra's cash on Bianchi.

Although a number of Italian players have tried their luck in England over recent years, only Gianfranco Zola could be regarded as an unqualified success, although Roberto Di Matteo and Fabrizio Ravanelli also enjoyed significant high points at Chelsea and Middlesbrough respectively.

City's last Italian arrival, mis-firing forward Bernardo Corradi, hardly inspires confidence ahead of Bianchi's introduction.

However, Eriksson feels the former Reggina star's 18-goal tally last term, the fourth-highest in Serie A, identifies him as a major goal threat.

"He scored nearly 20 goals in Serie A last season, which is a lot in a difficult league," Eriksson told the club's official website.

"He is young and I think he is a very important signing because he should have a great future.

"If you can score so many goals in Italy and you are not with one of the top clubs, you must be talented. It is a good record and let's hope he continues with it."

Bianchi said: "I feel fine.

"I am looking forward to this new adventure and I want to play as soon as possible.

"It is going to be a demanding challenge. It is a new style for me but I think I will adapt very soon."