Juanfran backs Alessio Cerci

Atletico Madrid right-back Juanfran has backed Alessio Cerci to come good for the club.

The Italian joined the Spanish champions from Torino this summer, but has struggled to make his mark in the early stages of the season.

Juanfran, however, has tipped the Italian to become "an important player" this season.

"I saw him playing in Italy last year and he's very good. I'm sure he's going to be an important player for us. Playing at Atletico is different from a lot of other clubs, especially with Diego Simeone as the coach but I'm sure he will settle in soon," Juanfran told reporters at a press conference.

Cerci scored 13 times for Torino last season.