ROVERS new-boy Corrado Grabbi today fired a parting shot at some of the top clubs in Italy, accusing them of ignoring local talent and flooding Serie A with foreign stars.

Grabbi spurned the chance to join a host of leading sides in his homeland, including Fiorentina, Udinese and Milan, in favour of a switch to Ewood.

And he admits the lack of opportunities in the first team at the top Italian clubs was a key factor in his move to England.

"In Italy there are not many places for Italian footballers at the top clubs," said Grabbi.

"There are too many foreign players. Italian clubs prefer to choose players from abroad -- maybe they are getting the wrong advice and influence, especially when those players are not very good and not successful.

"It is not right that they ignore local players.

"That is one of the reasons I decided to come to England.

"Sure there were other clubs interested in me, but Blackburn made the best offer and I've been impressed by what I have seen.

"They are a great club. Ternana gave me the chance to show what I could do in Italy and hopefully with Blackburn, the whole of Europe will be able to see me and notice me.

"So I've no regrets about leaving Italy and I cannot wait to play in England."

The £6.75 million signing, who put pen to paper on a four year contract with Rovers at the weekend, has also revealed he consulted Ternana-born Paolo Di Canio about a move to the Premiership, although he remained coy about exactly what the West Ham star told him.

"He gave me a few suggestions, but nothing really in particular," said the 25-year-old.

"But I know all about the Premiership anyway having watched it on television."

"They play real football there, it is physical and not spoilt by all the silly fouls you get in Italy which causes lot of interruptions to the game.

"I know I will have to get used to it as quickly as I can, but I am excited.

"This is a great challenge for me and I want to do well in England."