Two in, one out at Juventus
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Article summary
Defender Federico Balzaretti has left Juventus for ACF Fiorentina but Claudio Ranieri has secured deals for Cristian Molinaro and midfielder Antonio Nocerino.
Article body
Federico Balzaretti has left newly-promoted Juventus to join UEFA Cup contenders ACF Fiorentina on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Molinari replacement
The 25-year-old left-back played 57 league matches, scoring two goals, for Juventus during two seasons at the club. Balzaretti had made his Serie A bow with hometown team Torino FC during the 2002/03 campaign yet moved to Juventus on a free transfer in summer 2005. The Bianconeri have acquired the full playing licence of 23-year-old Cristian Molinaro as a possible replacement. The defender made 56 league appearances for AC Siena over two seasons in Tuscany, but now switches to Claudio Ranieri's side.
Third signing
Juventus have also secured outright ownership of Italy Under-21 midfielder Antonio Nocerino from Piacenza Calcio for €3.7m. The 22-year-old, currently in the Netherlands with Pierluigi Casiraghi's Azzurrini, scored six goals in 37 games in Serie B with a Piacenza outfit who had bought 50 per cent of his playing rights.
