Mazzone factor tempts Nakata
Friday, January 2, 2004
Article summary
Hidetoshi Nakata is keen to make a fresh start at Bologna FC after joining on loan from Italian rivals Parma AC.
Article body
Japan captain Hidetoshi Nakata is keen to make a fresh start at Bologna FC following a frustrating spell with Italian rivals Parma AC.
Loan deal
"I have decided to make a fresh start for the new year with a move to Bologna," said Nakata, who has signed on loan until the end of the season. The 26-year-old playmaker is yet to complete a full match in eleven Serie A appearances this season but hopes to make his mark under Carlo Mazzone, Nakata's coach at his first Italian club AC Perugia.
'Absolute trust'
"Coach Mazzone was the main reason for moving to Bologna. He understands me as a player and as a person and I have absolute trust in him," said Nakata, who won the Scudetto with AS Roma in 2000. "I apologise to Parma fans because I didn't manage to show them what I'm able to do, but I always had to play out of position."
Huge boost
Nakata's arrival is a huge boost for a Bologna side which has amassed just eleven points from 14 matches this season. The club yesterday lost midfield player Christian Amoroso for around 40 days after he tore a thigh muscle in training.
