Cerci joined Atletico Madrid from Torino on a three-year contract in 2014 but has been at AC Milan since the start of the season after joining the Rossoneri on an 18-month loan deal that saw Fernando Torres move the other way.

But having failed to cement a regular starting place and with several players returning from injury, the 28-year-old Cerci has become surplus to requirements at the San Siro.

A statement from Genoa said: "Genoa Cricket and Football Club announce they have signed Alessio Cerci from AC Milan on a temporary deal."

Genoa, who sit 16th in Serie A five points above the relegation zone, did not communicate the length of Cerci's contract although it is believed to be until the end of the current season.

Milan welcomed striker Mario Balotelli back from a lengthy injury absence last week and Frenchman Jeremy Menez is soon expected to be fit having failed to appear for the Rossoneri since last season.

Attacking midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng returned to Milan on a six-month deal recently and striker Luiz Adriano is also back having seen a proposed move to Chinese side Jiangsu collapse in midweek.