Gamberini granted Viola extension

Italy defender Alessandro Gamberini has signed a two-year contract extension with Fiorentina, tying him to the Tuscans until 2013.

The centre-back has made 78 Serie A appearances for the Viola since joining from Bologna in 2005, a year after winning the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Italy.

He was also named in the Azzurri's Euro 2008 squad following an injury to Fabio Cannavaro, but did not make an appearance during the tournament.

His new contract extension comes a day after a double celebration, with Gamberini turning 27 on Wednesday as the club's 0-0 draw at Slavia Prague earned them a 2-0 aggregate win and a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Source: UEFA