Rafa Benitez reportedly rejected Genoa defender Luca Antonelli, so Napoli turn to Zenit’s Domenico Criscito.
Rafa Benitez reportedly rejected Genoa defender Luca Antonelli, so Napoli turn to Zenit’s Domenico Criscito.
The Antonelli deal had been practically done for several days according to several news sources, but negotiations suddenly ground to a halt.
It’s rumoured this is because Coach Benitez decided he was not the reinforcement needed in the Partenopei back four.
According to Sport Mediaset, Napoli are now turning their focus towards Zenit St Petersburg man Criscito.
The 27-year-old is an Italy international who would be content with a return to Serie A ahead of the World Cup.
Zenit have set his price-tag at approximately €16m.
“Antonelli is happy to stay at Genoa and we are happy to keep him,” confirmed Coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
“If he should leave, it would only be for a top club like Napoli. We’ll see what happens.”