Watford keen to snap up Italian winger from Sunderland
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New Watford boss Walter Mazzarri is set to hit the ground running in the transfer market, by boosting the Hornets’ attacking options with the signing of Sunderland’s out of favour Emanuele Giaccherini.
The 31-year-old moved to Wearside from Juventus in 2013 amidst much fanfare but has struggled to establish himself in the Black Cats’ setup, playing just 13 times in the past two seasons, and spending much of the last campaign on loan at Bologna.
Many have been surprised to see the three-time Serie A winner fail to get regular game-time at the Stadium of Light, but with a switch to Hertfordshire looking ever more likely, the talented winger could well revive his reputation on these shores.
Mazzarri is a man who knows all about Giaccherini – with his Napoli side having faced off against the current Black Cats winger, during his spells at Cesena and Juventus.
And the experienced boss will surely focus firmly on expanding the Hornets’ attacking options this season. In the 2014-15 Premier League campaign, the Vicarage Road outfit scored just 40 goals – the fewest in the top 13, and four less than relegated Newcastle United.
Having netted seven times during his recent loan spell with I Rossoblu, including a memorable winner at AC Milan, chances are that the Hornets’ goal tally will rise next season if this move goes ahead.
The experienced winger has a spot in Antonio Conte’s provisional Italy squad ahead of Euro 2016 – meaning Mazzarri may be keen to snap him up before a tournament berth which could boost the player’s price tag.
Italy are 17/10 to win Group E in this summer’s event – with Belgium, Sweden and Republic of Ireland their opponents.
Meanwhile, it’s 12/1 that they’re beaten finalists for the third time in five Euros appearances, with 16s for Conte’s men to end their 48 year wait for this trophy.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
