Cassano joins Sampdoria on loan from Real

Italian striker Antonio Cassano has moved to Sampdoria from Real Madrid on a one-year loan, the Serie A side said.

"The dream has come true: Cassano is a Sampdoria player," said the Genoa club's Web site (www.sampdoria.it).

Sampdoria said they had an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old, once rated as one of the brightest talents in Italian football, was desperate to return to Italy after an unsuccessful season and a half at the Santiago Bernabeu.