Cristiano Piccini (Florence, 1992) is Real Betis's ninth signing this season. Unlike the other signings for the season, the young right wing-back has come to the Club on loan. The Italian international in the youth categories has been sent to Betis on loan by ACF Fiorentina, the Italian club has recognised the team coached by Julio Velázquez as being ideal to further the development of this young player.

Despite offers to go to the Serie A, Piccini opted for Real Betis after setting foot in the Benito Villamarín Stadium on 11 August. The atmosphere at the stadium and the advice received from Joaquín were important factors when he had to make a decision, in which he opted to wear the thirteen-striped shirt and for days now he has only been thinking about the green-and-whites. The lanky 21-year-old defender served his apprenticeship in Florence and he even had his debut with the team in December 2010. Later he worked his way through the different categories in Italian football. After playing the Primavera Championship he competed in the Serie C with Carrarese, in the Serie B with Spezia Calcio, and last season he played 20 Serie A matches with AS Livorno.

After signing his contract Piccini left immediately for the Training Centre to work out with the team. His presentation will take place at 12:45 pm in the pressroom at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.