The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has signed a partnership with the Chinese government to develop and grow soccer ties between the two countries, reports The Local (it)

The wide-ranging memorandum penned at FIGC headquarters in Rome concerns the development of the game in China, as well as the spread of Italian football in the Asian superpower.

"It's an historical meeting, full of significance," said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina after meeting with China Media Group head Shen Haixiong.

Shen added: "Italian football is much followed in China through coaches, players and teams, they are all very well known.

"We want to promote the football industry."

The agreement will see the development of cultural exchanges, cooperation in sports medicine, training with particular attention to VAR (video assistant referees), and exchange of players and coaches, marketing and communication.

"Thanks to this opportunity football has once again proved to be a bridge between different cultures," said Gravina.