Berlin, Jun 22 (IANS): German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen reinforced their defence with the signing of rightback Giulio Donati until 2017.

The 23-year-old rightback put pen to paper on a four-year deal to receive shirt No.26. Donati was signed by Inter Milan in 2008 to play on loan for Grosseto and other second division sides. Both sides Friday agreed to maintain silence over further contract details, reports Xinhua.

"With Giulio Donati we signed a young ambitious player, who fits perfectly into the profile of Leverkusen. He was a part of the successful Italy Under-21 football team at the UEFA European Championship in Israel. We are convinced that Donati will do a good job on the position of the rightback," Leverkusen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhaeuser said.

Donati, after the signing contract, said: "I am happy that the transfer worked out. Leverkusen is a German top-flight club with a high reputation also in Italy. I am looking forward to the Bundesliga and the Champions League, which is a very special challenge for me. I will give everything to reach the desired objectives with Leverkusen."

The rightback is since 2010 part of the Under-21 team of Italy to make 26 caps. His new side finished the last season on third position to secure a UEFA Champions League berth.