Nocerino, Borriello leave Italy to join West Ham

Italian midfielder Antonio Nocerino has left AC Milan to join Premier League struggler West Ham on loan as he looks to revive his chances of playing in the World Cup this summer. (Scott A. Miller/AP)

LONDON — Italy internationals Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borriello have left Serie A to join West Ham on loan until the end of the season, boosting the Premier League struggler’s chances of avoiding relegation.

The 28-year-old Nocerino arrives from AC Milan, where he has lost his regular place in the team’s midfield, and will look to revive his hopes of playing in the World Cup this summer.

Nocerino played at the European Championship in 2012 but made the last of his 15 appearances for Italy in September that year and hasn’t been called up since February 2013.

Borriello, capped seven times by his country, has left Roma amid his second spell with the capital club.

The signings are a real coup for West Ham, which is in the Premier League’s relegation zone.

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