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Former Cardiff City striker Federico Macheda has found himself a new club after being released by the Bluebirds in August.

The Italian forward never really fired at Cardiff City Stadium, scoring eight goals in 33 appearances before being shipped out on loan to Nottingham Forest at the end of last season.

The striker has now returned home to his native Italy and has signed a one-year contract with Serie B outfit Novara. The deal includes an option for a one-year extension next summer.

It's quite a fall from grace for the man who scored a 93rd minute winner on his Manchester United debut at Old Trafford.

Macheda has played in Italy before, making 16 appearances for Sampdoria on loan from Man United, but he will now have to work his way back up the leagues as he begins the next chapter of his career.

At the age of just 25, time is still on former Italian youth international's side and he will perhaps feel that he has unfinished business in England to attend to at some point.

He has not played any games this season, having been without a club since the summer, and will now have to work hard to get back to full fitness.

Macheda is hopeful of being ready as soon as this Sunday, when Novara take on Brescia. His new side are currently 11th in Italian second tier but have scored just 20 goals in 17 matches, a problem that Macheda's will be eager to solve.