Napoli sign Bellinzona star Russotto
Friday, July 25, 2008
Article summary
SSC Napoli have signed Italy Under-21 forward Andrea Russotto on loan from UEFA Cup contenders AC Bellinzona, with an option to buy him next summer.
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One-season loan
The 20-year-old will spend the upcoming season with the Serie A side, who will look to earn a place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup as they defend a 1-0 lead against Panionios GSS in the concluding leg of their UEFA Intertoto Cup third round game on Saturday. A crowd of 60,000 is expected, with the 1988/89 winners eager to return to the UEFA Cup after a 14-year absence.
Treviso spell
The Rome-born Russotto has spent the last three seasons on loan with Serie B side Treviso FC, scoring five goals in 67 league games. He is on the reserve list for the Italian Olympic football squad and has represented his country at all youth levels. He joins fellow new arrivals Leandro Rinaudo, Germán Denis and Christian Maggio at Napoli.