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Chistolini was educated at the highly respected Paarl Boys' High in his native South Africa before making the move to Europe and represented Italy A in the IRB Nations Cup in 2010.
He now moves to Kingsholm and will ply his trade in the Heineken Cup next season with the West Country side.
"I can't wait to move to England, to get to know my new team mates and start my preparations for next season," he said.
"I've done my homework and know a lot about the club and its traditions. Gloucester are one of the top clubs in England, play at a superb stadium and enjoy fantastic support."
"I'm also told that the crowd very much appreciate their forward play so I'm hoping to make a big impression on them!"
"I've spent 3 wonderful years at Petrarca and would like to thank all their staff plus the President, coach and the Director of Rugby, Mr Corrado Covi, for bringing me over when I was just 19."
Head Coach Bryan Redpath added.
"Dario is the first new addition to the squad for next season although he won't be the last. We've done our due diligence and we know that he's a young, up and coming tight head prop with a lot of upside."
"He's been schooled in front row play in South Africa, there's no tougher breeding ground and has already caught the eye of the Italian senior selectors."
"He wants to be here and be part of what we're trying to achieve and we're confident that he's going to bring a lot to the squad."
