Giovanni Carnevali has told Gazzetta dello Sport that reported Tottenham Hotspur target Gianluca Scamacca can ‘live up to expectations’ at a ‘big’ club in a transfer from Sassuolo.
The striker has left the Neroverdi chairman in awe with his efforts and desire to improve at the Mapei Stadium this season. So much so that Carnevali has slammed false rumours that Scamacca has a poor attitude, throwing his support firmly behind the ‘real professional’.
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Sassuolo have put a lot of faith in Scamacca this term and even loaned Francesco Caputo to Sampdoria last summer. The 34-year-old had hit 11 goals and created eight last season, but Carnevali wanted Scamacca to return from his loan with Genoa and take over the role.
Carnevali’s call has worked, so far, with Scamacca scoring 13 goals in 28 Serie A games this term. He has also only started 17 of his games, having flourished once manager Alessio Dionisi let him take the lead. His goals also include hits against AC Milan, Napoli and Inter.
Now, Scamacca’s name is on transfer shortlists around Italy and England, as Gazzetta dello Sport previously cited Tottenham, AC Milan, Inter and Juventus among the Sassuolo star’s suitors. Gazzetta dello Sport also report AC Milan have submitted a €30m (£25.5m) offer.
Sassuolo are hoping to make at least €40m (£34m) if they sell the 23-year-old at the end of the season, per Calciomercato.it. Additionally, due to their asking price, Marco Barzaghi of Sport Mediaset reports an unnamed English team is currently in pole position for a swoop.
Chairman backs Tottenham target Scamacca to ‘live up to expectations’ at ‘big’ club
Sassuolo chairman Carnevali is confident Scamacca is now ready to join a ‘big’ team, with Tottenham et al chasing his transfer. He also has a firm belief that the three-cap Italy star has no issues, after growing into a team player having previously been somewhat selfish.
“Scamacca needed to play and that’s why we sold Francesco Caputo in the summer,” said Carnevali. “We made space for Gianluca, who has become stronger. He is a real professional. Certain rumours about his bad attitude are not true. He has become a man.
“He improves in every game in shielding the ball. He is crucial for us. He holds the ball upfront and helps the team. He only looked at the goal, but now he drops deep to collect the ball. Sometimes I watch his shooting practice in training, his power is incredible.
“I trust Gianluca, he is psychologically solid and he’s a fighter… He can live up to expectations in a big team and playing with big champions would help him develop.”
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