Chelsea have today completed the signing of Italian goalkeeper Marco Amelia on a free transfer. The 33-year old signed a contract until the end of the season, according to the official club website.
Another international goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge
Amelia, who spent last season in Serie B with Perugia, has previously enjoyed spells at Livorno, AC Milan and Palermo in his 14-year career.
Despite joining Perugia last season, Amelia has not played since 2014, when he was with AC Milan. The Italian was also capped nine times by his country and has been brought in at Chelsea as cover for Asmir Begovic while Thibaut Courtois recovers from a knee injury.
Courtois' knee injury could see the Belgian kept out of action until at least December and Begovic, who has been in fine form since taking over as Chelsea's number one, will need experienced cover behind him.
Jamal Blackman, the third choice 'keeper before the club signed Amelia, is inexperienced and has not played much first-team football which is likely to have played a part in the signing of the former AC Milan man.
Amelia unlikely to threaten Begovic
Jose Mourinho's side have struggled mightily at the beginning of the new season but Begovic remains a bright spot in the side. The experience of Marco Amelia will provide a stable backup to the Bosnian shot-stopper but game time for his backup may be difficult to come by. Whether the veteran appears for Chelsea remains in doubt, but the signing seems to be a safe decision.
Amelia is set to be on the bench for Chelsea after the international break when Aston Villa visit Stamford Bridge with both sides in desperate need of a win.
He will wear the number 32 shirt this season and it is yet to be known whether he will remain at the club when the 2015/16 campaign comes to a close.