MILAN, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Parma have signed defender Giuseppe Cardone on loan from Piacenza with their midfielder Marco Marchionni heading in the opposite direction.

Parma said on their official website they had completed a deal with Piacenza which saw the two players move on loan until the end of the season.

Coach Cesare Prandelli will have an option to sign 28-year-old Cardone, who began his career with AC Milan, on a full transfer at the end of the season.

The move is the latest loan deal completed by Parma who have been one of the most active clubs in Italy during the January transfer window.

Last week Parma loaned defender Aimo Diana and striker Emiliano Bonazzoli to Reggina while their Slovak left-back Vratislav Gresko is expected to complete a temporary move to English club Blackburn Rovers.

Gresko is due to undergo a medical later on Wednesday.