Josh Brillante has sealed his A-League homecoming, signing a three-year deal with Sydney FC.
The 23-year-old fringe Socceroo returns to Australia two years after leaving Newcastle for Serie A side Fiorentina, for whom he made two appearances before being loaned out to fellow Serie A outfit Empoli.
He spent the past season on loan at Serie B club Como.
Brillante, a central midfielder who can also play right-back, was a star during his two years at the Jets, so much so that Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou included him in his extended squad before the 2014 World Cup.
But he endured a turbulent spell in Italy, being picked for a shock starting debut against Roma just weeks after arriving, before giving away possession and being substituted after 35 minutes.
Now, the Bundaberg-born Queensland Academy of Sport product is looking for stability and regular first-team football.
"The lure of working under Graham Arnold was a huge drawcard," Brillante said.
"Like Sydney FC, I'm always striving for silverware, which I believe we can achieve this season."
Arnold believed Brillante's experience abroad had made him a more-mature player, and someone who could help the Sky Blues' quest to become competitive again in the 2016-17 season.
"Josh is a great acquisition for the club, being a versatile player, and he's had experience playing for our national teams and Socceroos," Arnold said.
"As a 23-year-old, he's young and hungry. And he's taken a brave step coming back to the A-League -- that's the type of player we want at Sydney FC."
Brillante is Sydney's third offseason signing along with former Melbourne City defenders Alex Wilkinson and Michael Zullo.