Manchester United have confirmed striker Giuseppe Rossi has joined former club Parma on loan until the end of the season.
United want Rossi, 19, to gain first-team experience while helping Parma retain their Serie A status.
Rossi spent a spell on loan at Newcastle earlier this season, but started only three Premiership matches.
Parma director Roberto Cavalli told the club’s website:
“We hope he can help us achieve our goal of staying up.”
American-born Rossi scored four goals in 12 appearances while on loan at Newcastle earlier this season.
Rossi joined United from Parma in 2004 and scored nine minutes into his Premiership debut in August 2005.
Parma are struggling in 19th place in Italy’s Serie A.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is clearly a fan of the striker and had hinted he would keep the Italy Under-21 striker as United bid for trophies on three fronts.
But Ferguson has recently added Henrik Larsson to his strike force, and also signed Chinese striker Dong Fangzhou to a long-term contract after obtaining a work permit.
With Alan Smith returning to fitness, Ferguson could have six strikers at his disposal, and feels Rossi is more likely to gain the experience he needs at Parma.