Fiorentina Want Almiron And Criscito

Fiorentina seem set to make a January transfer bid for out-of-favour Juventus duo Sergio Almiron and Domenico Criscito, according to the Corriere dello Sport.

Almiron signed for the Bianconeri in the summer from Empoli for €9m, and was immediately labelled as the “new Sebastian Veron”. However the 27-year-old, along with fellow new-boy Tiago Mendes, has been hugely disappointing and has made just seven appearances, most of these coming at the beginning of the campaign.

He seems certain to be sold in January and Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli is set to come in with a bid for a player he holds in high regard. Another player likened by the Viola tactician is Domenico Criscito. The 20-year-old is regarded by many as the most promising young defender in Italy at the moment, however he has also failed to shine for Juventus this season.

The Bianconeri believe he requires more experience before he is ready to play for such a big club, and are set to send him out on loan in January for either six or 18 months. Fiorentina face competition from Palermo for the loan signature of Criscito. Indeed any deal could hinge on the future of Andrea Barzagli. The Azzurri centre-back is a target for Juventus, and they may include Criscito in a part-exchange deal.

www.goal.com - 11/12/2007 22:22