Torino are pursuing a deal for Spezia goalkeeper Diego Mascardi, according to reports in Italy. The 2006-born shot-stopper is viewed as a promising prospect for the future, though he is unlikely to immediately displace the club’s first-choice goalkeeper next season.
Mascardi, who turns 19 in September, stands at 1.98 meters tall and has represented Italy at the Under-21 level. He split playing time with Boris Radunovic at Spezia during the recently concluded Serie B campaign, making a total of 17 league appearances plus one in the Coppa Italia. Spezia were ultimately relegated from Serie B, but Mascardi’s performances have attracted interest from several Serie A clubs, including Torino.
Torino’s sporting director, Gianluca Petrachi, is actively searching for a new number one goalkeeper following the departure of Franco Israel and with Alberto Paleari set to serve as a backup. Wladimiro Falcone of Lecce remains their primary target, but negotiations with the southern club are currently stalled, partly due to the ongoing search for a new sporting director at Lecce following Pantaleo Corvino’s departure.
Should Mascardi arrive at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, the plan is to either develop him as understudy to a more experienced goalkeeper, potentially Falcone, or to send him out on loan to gain further playing time. Spezia, meanwhile, would be keen to retain Mascardi as they attempt to secure an immediate return to Serie B. Paleari is expected to remain with Torino as a backup option, accepting a reduced role, and another young goalkeeper, Alessandro Siviero, could be loaned out to facilitate the move.
Petrachi has already initiated contact with Spezia regarding Mascardi, and discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks, regardless of who is appointed as Torino’s new head coach.
