Rome  - Striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo Wednesday began training with his new club Bologna after his transfer from Fiorentina.

"My options were (English Premier League side) West Ham (United) or Bologna," the club's web site quoted the 23-year-old as saying. "Both were interesting, but I chose Bologna.

"I know that the club and the fans expect a lot from me. I want to show my worth and possibly score a lot to lend the team a hand. Bologna are a great opportunity for me."

Osvaldo was born in Argentina, but holds and Italian passport and played 12 games with Italy's youth national team.

He arrived in Italy in 2006 and played with Atalanta and Lecce before transferring in 2007 to Fiorentina, where he played 14 games.

Bologna, who returned to the Serie A after three lower-division seasons, lie four points above the three-team relegation zone as the league begins its second half. (dpa)