Criscito trains with TFC, Insigne still dealing with calf issue

TORONTO — The Italian job is underway at Toronto FC.

Domenico Criscito took part in his first Toronto practice Friday while fellow Italian newcomer Lorenzo Insigne trained separately indoors.

Toronto coach Bob Bradley, whose team hosts the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, said Insigne is recovering from a calf injury picked up in Europe prior to his arrival here.

"It's day-to-day," said Bradley. "When players come halfway through the year, especially if they're carrying a little, small injury, it's important to make sure that the return (to play) is handled really well. So we're going to be on top of that and try to move it along the smartest way."

Toronto has a lot invested in the former Napoli captain, whose four-year deal makes him Major League Soccer's highest-paid player — eclipsing the US$8.13 million that Chicago's Xherdan Shaqiri is making this season

Insigne emerged from the training centre to pose for photos in TFC colours. Criscito, the former Genoa skipper, took time out before practice to greet a group of some 20 fans behind a fence at the training ground.

Both players are eligible to make their debut July 9 against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes after the league's secondary transfer window opens July 7.

The 31-year-old Insigne, a forward, will wear his trademark No. 24, which Canadian Jacob Shaffelburg gave up this season for the Italian. Shaffelburg now wears No. 22.

Criscito, a 35-year-old defender whose normal No. 4 is taken by captain Michael Bradley, will wear No. 44. Raheem Edwards and Omar Gonzales have worn 44 in the past for Toronto.

"We know what they're like as players. You really want to know who the man behind the jersey is," said goalkeeper Alex Bono. "They seem like good guys.

"We have a