Cruz’s name appeared in the squad list released by the Biancocelesti for the August 8 game before he was officially confirmed as one of their players.

It has now been stated he has signed a one-year contract with an option for a second after passing his medical.

Il Jardinero will be travelling to China with his new teammates and make his official debut against his former club.

Cruz is out of contract after his deal with Inter expired and had been considering offers from the likes of Roma and Napoli, but has chosen Lazio.

If he is in the side, then the same cannot be said of the three ‘dissidents’ in the Aquile – Pandev, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Cristian Ledesma.

This trio have all requested a transfer, but so far have not been able to find a club willing to meet the price-tag.

Pandev had begged to be given the chance to take part in the Italian Super Cup, but is left behind by Coach Davide Ballardini.

The Super Cup is between Scudetto winners Inter and Coppa Italia victors Lazio, but is taking place at the Olympic Birds’ Nest stadium in Beijing this year.

Lazio squad: Muslera, Bizzarri; Cribari, Diakitè, Kolarov, Lichtsteiner, Radu, Scaloni, Siviglia; Baronio, Brocchi, Dabo, Foggia, Matuzalem, Mauri, Meghni, Eliseu; Del Nero, Inzaghi, Rocchi, Cruz, Zarate