Napoli are about to complete their first January addition, as Pasquale Mazzocchi took the medicals in Rome ahead of the completion of the deal on Wednesday. The Partenopei had to raise their initial offer and shook hands with Salernitana for €3M, La Gazzetta dello Sport relays.
Director Walter Sabatini slammed the counterparty for their opening bid, but the two sides met halfway quickly. The Granata initially wanted €5M. They could have gotten €10M in the past when his valuation was at its peak following an Azzurri call-up.
Napoli targeted Mazzocchi to have a more experienced Giovanni Di Lorenzo deputy. The two can play together in a different scheme, and the newcomer can also feature on the left wing. The acquisition will allow Alessandro Zanoli to depart on loan. Genoa continue to be in pole position. They shipped off Silvan Hefti to Montpellier on loan to make room.
The 28-year-old journeyman blossomed at Venezia in Serie B and was signed by Salernitana after his maiden season in the top flight. He previously played at Pro Piacenza, Rimini, Parma, and Perugia. He has 78 appearances, 2 goals, and 7 assists in Serie A to his name.
Our Take on Mazzocchi and Napoli
He hasn’t returned to stellar levels after a knee injury, but it’s still a solid signing that doesn’t break the bank. It makes more sense to have a veteran than a youngster who needs minutes in a secondary role. He’ll probably end up starring more than expected.
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