Roma have signed Argentine midfielder Juan Iturbi from Verona for 17.4 million pound sterling.

Iturbe scored eight goals in 33 games for Verona last season and has been compared to a young Lionel Messi.

He has signed a five-year deal and the fee could rise by a further 2-million depending on performances.

Roma, who’ll play in the Champions league this season, have already signed former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole, Urby Emanuelson and Seydou Keita.