New Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has raided former club Empoli, the Italian international joins Napoli for €5.5 million on a four-year contract.
After it was reported that contract terms were agreed yesterday, Mirko Valdifiori attended and passed his medical examination at the club's training ground.
There was some concern on Thursday over a bizarre contract clause Napoli wanted in his deal, with some fearing the clause -- which ostensibly removed Valdifiori's ability to control his fate in a transfer in two years - would scuttle the deal. Napoli removed the clause after some discussion and the deal was completed shortly after.
Life at Cesena and Empoli
The midfielder started his career with Cesena before impressing with loan spells Pavia and Legnano. In June 2008, Cesena sold Valdifiori to Serie B team Empoli in a co-ownership deal for €520,000. The 2009–10 Serie B season was similarly strong for Valdifiori, who made 36 appearances and even managed his first professional goal - the second in a 2-0 win over former side Cesena.
Promotion was finally achieved for Empoli in 2013–14 Serie B and Valdifiori was a key part of the success, recording eight assists in 40 appearances that season. In the 2014–15 season, Valdifiori finally made his Serie A debut in a 2-0 opening day defeat to Udinese.
After making over 200 appearances for Empoli in a seven year stint, he leaves for Naples with Europa League football guaranteed for the newly capped Italian international.
Marco Sportiello wanted by Napoli
In other transfer news surrounding Napoli, Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello “is very much liked and respected by Napoli,” confirmed his agent. It’s believed the Partenopei could offer Luigi Sepe – who spent this season on loan at Empoli – to Atalanta as part of the deal for Sportiello.
While the deal for Sportiello is a long way from being completed, after the disappointment of missing out on Champions League football, Napoli are heading in the right direction by signing players like Valdifiori.