The wide midfielder who can also play as right-back spent last season on loan at Empoli, scoring one goal in 24 Serie A appearances.

Abate is a replacement for Gianluca Comotto, who joined Fiorentina over the summer.

The 21-year-old had also been a target for Napoli, but half his contract has been sold to Torino.

He won’t be able to take part in pre-season training with his new club, as Abate is part of Italy’s squad for the Beijing Olympics.

Meanwhile, Toro midfielder Simone Barone’s agent has confirmed he won’t be joining Lazio after all.

“The situation has not improved and, if anything, has sunk without trace,” said Silvano Martina on Datasport.

“The negotiations started some time ago, when Walter Sabatini was still Lazio’s director of sport. Nobody was convinced the matter would be successfully resolved, though.

“Torino weren’t interested in Massimo Mutarelli as part exchange, just as Lazio were not too enthusiastic about Barone.

“It is my view that Mutarelli will not join Torino, unless the Granata release Vincenzo Grella.”