Cagliari Transfer Market: Verona Is Getting Closer to Signing Gabriele Zappa. But Watch Out for a Serie A Club

Gabriele Zappa is preparing to leave Cagliari after a long stint in Sardinia. The Brianza-born fullback, who had just begun his seventh season with the Rossoblù, is in fact very close to a transfer to Hellas Verona.

In the last few hours, the Verona-based club has decisively accelerated the process, bringing the negotiations to a close. The deal is expected to be finalized as a loan with an option to buy, which will become mandatory should Verona be promoted to Serie A.

Cagliari and Verona are reportedly in the final stages and are proceeding with the exchange of documents necessary to complete the transfer. As for Zappa, who has slipped down the Rossoblù pecking order behind Fabio Pisacane, there was also talk of interest from Sassuolo. Sassuolo has stepped back for now but could make a last-minute move, given that the Belghali deal fell through.

Pedersen’s departure is prompting Torino to seek a new reinforcement for the right flank, and one of the names being followed with the greatest interest is Verona’s Rafik Belghali. The Algerian winger has long been on the Granata management’s radar, and they observed him closely during the World Cup as well.

Until a few days ago, however, Torino had not made a move, partly because Belghali seemed destined for Sassuolo. Negotiations with Sassuolo, however, have reportedly hit a snag, apparently due in part to certain demands made by the player. The Piedmont club therefore wants to try to take advantage of the situation and actively enter the race.