Rome  - Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah was due to start training with underdogs Bologna later on Tuesday as he rejoins the Italian Serie A from a four-year absence, the northern Italian club said on their website.

"We knew that Appiah was without a contract (after three years at Turkey side Fenerbahce) and looking for an opportunity in a club willing to welcome him after a major injury that sidelined him for a while," Bologna president Francesca Menarini said.

She added that the 28-year-old international underwent thorough medical tests that showed he has overcome complications deriving from knee surgery he underwent in Turkey in 2007.

"I'm fine. I feel in great form," Appiah said. "I have trained as a professional and played a dozen games with my national team. Now I make myself available for (Bologna coach Franco) Colomba. He will decide when I'm ready to get onto the pitch."

The midfielder said he plans not to play the Africa Cup with Ghana.

He first arrived in Italy in 1997, playing with Udinese, Parma, Juventus and Brescia. (dpa)