Palermo Transfer Market: Another Midfielder Joins from Serie A
Palermo has surprised everyone now that the transfer window has closed. Late Thursday evening, the Rosanero club announced the signing of Luca Mazzitelli, a 30-year-old midfielder who had been without a contract following the end of his stint with Como. “On behalf of the City Football Group, President Mirri, and the entire Rosanero family, we welcome Luca to Palermo,” reads the club’s statement.
Mazzitelli’s arrival, however, presents a unique challenge from a regulatory standpoint. As a player over 23, the midfielder will not be eligible to play in the league until at least January, since Palermo has already filled all available spots on its over-23 roster. The situation is different in the Coppa Italia, a competition in which he can be fielded as usual.
The move can therefore be interpreted as an early investment ahead of the winter transfer window. Palermo has chosen to act immediately to secure a player who could become an important asset in the second half of the season.
Inzaghi was also pushing for an additional option in midfield, intent on expanding the team’s options in that area. With Mazzitelli’s arrival, the 4-2-3-1 formation now offers five options for the two positions in front of the defense. This strategy mirrors what has already been done in the defensive unit, where the Rosanero coach has several options at center back.
Mazzitelli, after all, is no stranger to Palermo’s transfer strategies. His name had already been linked to the Sicilian club on several occasions, and the possibility of a move to Palermo had resurfaced in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
At that time, his potential arrival had been linked to Gyasi’s possible transfer to Ascoli. That move ultimately did not materialize, and consequently, the Mazzitelli deal also seemed to have fallen through for good.
It took just a few days for the situation to change again. Palermo returned to the table for the midfielder and closed the deal, securing an experienced player who had also been targeted by Verona. This addition further increases the options and quality available in the midfield.
Last season, Mazzitelli played for Cagliari on loan, making 18 appearances in Serie A and scoring two goals.
