Roma take on Tavano
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Article summary
AS Roma have signed Valencia CF forward Francesco Tavano on loan for the rest of the season following Vincenzo Montella's departure to Fulham FC.
Article body
AS Roma have moved quickly to fill the gap left by Vincenzo Montella's departure to Fulham FC for the rest of the season by signing Valencia CF forward Francesco Tavano on loan until the summer.
Disappointing spell
The 27-year-old joined Valencia at the start of 2006/07 after scoring 19 goals in Serie A with Empoli FC last season but has failed to earn a regular place in the Spanish side. He played only three times as a substitute in the Primera División and appeared twice in the UEFA Champions League but has now returned to his homeland, with Roma having the option to make the move permanent should they pay Valencia a €10m fee before 1 May.
Cup-tied
Tavano's only start in the group stage, coincidentally, was against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Matchday 6 when the Serie A side won 1-0 to secure their place in the last 16 against French champions Olympique Lyonnais, though Tavano will not be eligible for the rest of their European campaign. "This opportunity is too big for me to waste," Tavano said. "At Roma I will show all I can do. I want to repay the faith of coach Luciano Spalletti."
