Torino FC is ready to finalise the signing of Salernitana defender Matteo Lovato. The club, often referred to as “the Maroons”, has reportedly outpaced Udinese in the race to secure Lovato’s services, according to Sky Sports. The Italian footballer is expected to be in the Piemonte region for a medical check-up and to sign a contract with Torino on the following day.
Lovato’s decision to opt for Torino over Udinese was said to have been significantly influenced by the Croatian coach Ivan Juric. As stated by Sky Sport, “Juric had previously coached Lovato during his tenure at Verona”, and this likely played a pivotal part in persuading the player to “reject Udinese’s offer and wait for Torino”. Juric’s admiration for Lovato was so profound that he personally requested his signing to the Torino board.
In response to Lovato’s impending arrival, it’s reported that David Zima will be leaving the Maroons. The Czech Republic-born defender, born in the year 2000, “is set to return to the Czech Republic, to Slavia Prague”, says Sky Sport.
Juric appears to have no regrets over Zima’s departure. Zima has featured only twice this season – once in the league and once in the Coppa Italia match against Frosinone. These lacklustre appearances seemingly led Juric to sanction his move away from Torino.