Empoli have left out Manuel Pucciarelli for their trip to Palermo, reportedly over a contract dispute.
The Tuscans visit the Stadio Barbera on Sunday afternoon, click here for a match preview.
Striker Pucciarelli was not included in the trip and there are rumours this is because he refused to sign a contract extension.
Coach Maurizio Sarri justified the choice by saying the player was “not concentrated” on the task at hand.
Empoli have left out Manuel Pucciarelli for their trip to Palermo, reportedly over a contract dispute.
The Tuscans visit the Stadio Barbera on Sunday afternoon, click here for a match preview.
Striker Pucciarelli was not included in the trip and there are rumours this is because he refused to sign a contract extension.
Coach Maurizio Sarri justified the choice by saying the player was “not concentrated” on the task at hand.
“Manuel is not frozen out of the squad, as the Coach makes the decisions,” director of sport Marcello Carli told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We are ready to discuss it. We’ll always find 11 players, but it was a real defeat on a personal level. This has never happened to me before.
“I had the sensation there would be no problems even before the January transfer window. I am open to going forward and hold no grudges, so I hope he’ll reconsider.
“Anyone who plays for Empoli must have faith in us. It’s not an issue of money.”
Pucciarelli’s current contract is due to expire in June 2016 and he has scored three goals in this his debut Serie A season.