Leeds United left Mirko Antenucci leave on a free but he is in the form of his life right now with SPAL.
It is 49 years since the last time SPAL could legitimately call themselves a Serie A team. And it is fair to say the route back to the big time has not been an easy one, Tuttomercatoweb reports.
The Emilia-Romagna club were plying their trade in the regional third tier in 2015/16 but the fact that two successive promotions have been inspired by the relentless goal-scoring streak of a former Leeds United front man means SPAL’s rise has been tracked with interest in West Yorkshire.
After all, Mirko Antenucci netted his 18th goal of the season as the club, who went bankrupt as recently as 2012, secured a return to the top flight.
And the fact that his former club missed out on the play-offs thanks to a lack of firepower has raised suggestions among some supporters that the club should have kept him around.
Though it is no surprise Antenucci is enjoying life in his homeland after enduring two turbulent years at Elland Road.
“When I chose SPAL I had positive feelings that have proved spot on, a group with a community feeling and a calm life after two years in England,” the 32-year-old told Tuttomercatoweb.
Antenucci largely impressed in the Championship with 19 goals in two seasons after arriving as part of owner Massimo Cellino’s wide-ranging Italian recruitment drive.
However, he was hardly helped by a never-ending sequence of managerial changes, each bringing with them different tactics and shunting Antenucci in and out of the team.
Therefore, you can hardly blame him from enjoying a little piece and quiet. Not to mention success.
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