Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini joins Bologna on loan

Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has joined Serie A side Bologna on a season-long loan deal.

The 30-year-old has struggled to establish himself under Dick Advocaat and has not featured for the Black Cats this season despite the team's struggles.

The winger had a medical in Italy yesterday and returns to his homeland to help a Bologna side who have lost their first two games in their first season back in Serie A.

Giaccherini managed 32 league appearances in two seasons at the Stadium of Light, scoring four goals after joining for £6.5m from Juventus in 2013.