Stefan Savic has gone the other way as part of the deal.
Serbian centre-back Nastasic was a revelation in Serie A last season, emerging as one of the brightest defensive prospects in the Italian top flight.
He has enjoyed a meteoric rise since being handed his debut at Fiorentina by Roberto Mancini’s former assistant, Sinisa Mihajlovic.
Although Mihajlovic didn’t last long in the managerial hotseat, Matija cemented a place in new boss Delio Rossi’s XI and didn’t have to wait long to pick his wits against some of Serie A’s most fearsome predators.
Nastasic’s name was made in the Viola’s 0-0 draw against AC Milan where the defender belied his years with a mature performance marking Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Matija could also become a threat from set-pieces for the Blues, thanks to his 6ft 2 frame but he showcased his composure on the ball for his first Serie A goal in February, with a well-taken finish on the volley against Cesena.
If Mancini does continue to experiment with a three-man defence this season, he’s signed a player with experience of playing in a similar system for most of last season alongside the experienced duo of Gamberini and Natali.
Fiorentina finished 13th in the division last season but Nastasic’s 21 starts were hailed as a bright spot on an otherwise transitional season for the team.
He joined the Florence outfit in 2011 from Partizan Belgrade for a reported €3m and has represented Serbia twice, linking up again with Mihajlovic who handed him his international debut against Cyprus earlier this year.
Nemanja Vidic retired from international football in 2011 and it’s testament to Nastasic’s stock that the youngster is expected to take this national institution’s place in Serbia’s upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
Stefan Savic moves in the opposite direction after making 11 appearances for the Blues last season, scoring once in the 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in October 2011.
Everyone at the club would like to wish Stefan all the best for his future career in Florence.
