Dario Del Fabro has revealed Rino Gattuso convinced him to join Kilmarnock because he loved his time at Rangers.
Rugby Park boss Angelo Alessio signed Del Fabro on loan from Juventus in the summer window and the 24-year-old made his debut in the win at St Johnstone last week.
Del Fabro called Italy World Cup winner Gatusso – who starred at Rangers from 1997 for two years before becoming playing and then managing for AC Milan.
And the centre-back revealed the former midfielder sold him on a move to Scotland.
Del Fabro said: "I called Rino Gatusso because he was my manager when I was on loan at Pisa and I knew he had played in Scottish football.
"He told me it was an excellent opportunity and to sign for Kilmarnock .
"He said to me that Scotland had made him as a player and as a man. He learned to play there with intensity and passion and told me that as an Italian, I would love the physical side of Scottish football."
Del Fabro admits he's sure he made the right choice.
He said: "Last season I was on loan at Cremonese and I had some offers to go on loan again to either Poland or Belgium, but then Angelo Alessio called me.
"The challenge he outlined to me struck a chord with me and I decded to go for it. It's been a positive experience so far and an opportunity.
"Kilmarnock are a club with a long history and as soon as I signed for them I tried to immerse myself into it.
"The league can be crazy and full of aggression and every moment is a battle. It's very physical.
"But there's a great atmosphere and the fans live for football 100 per cent."
