Gilardino spent the first half of the season at Empoli but failed to score in 14 league appearances - five of which were starts – and has reportedly rescinded his contract in order to move.

Pescara, bottom of Serie A having won only one of 18 games, announced the striker's arrival on Tuesday and posted photos of him training with the team.

"The squad worked at the gym and on tactics while newly signed Alberto Gilardino arrived at the centre," A statement on the club's website read. "In the afternoon he will work on his own with his personal trainer. He will later sign the contract along with president Daniele Sebastiani."

Gilardino, who has played for AC Milan, Fiorentina and Genoa, has 188 career goals in Serie A.

That record has him level with Alessandro Del Piero and above Gabriel Batistuta in the league's all-time goalscoring charts.

Pescara faces a difficult assignment next up, away to Napoli on Monday (AEDT).