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Andrea Belotti has signed a permanent deal with newly-promoted Como after spending two years at Italian giants AS Roma.
The 30-year-old striker, once rated one of Europe’s hottest prospects, leaves Roma with 10 goals and 4 assists in 68 appearances across all competitions. Last season, he spent the second half on loan at Fiorentina.
Belotti joined Roma in the summer of 2022 after a seven-year stint with Torino, where he became a household name. Despite scoring 10 goals in 68 appearances for the Giallorossi, his time at Roma didn’t reach the heights many expected.
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High-flying Belotti
Belotti’s rise to prominence began at Torino, where his goal-scoring prowess and playing technique caught the attention of top European clubs. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal all showed interest, with some even submitting substantial bids. However, Torino valued Belotti at around €100 million and rejected all offers below that threshold.
In January 2017, Torino turned down a £56 million bid from Arsenal, and three months later, they also rejected Chelsea’s €60 million offer.
The player’s success was far from guaranteed. He wasn’t always seen as a top prospect but fought his way to become an Italy international.
His journey began at AlbinoLeffe after being turned down by Atalanta as a teenager. He made his debut in March 2012 against Livorno, scoring a goal despite his team’s 4-1 loss.
At just 18, Belotti was already making sacrifices, staying in to focus on football while his friends went out partying. His father, a builder in Milan, instilled in him a strong work ethic and the importance of leaving everything on the field.
Successes
In 2013, Belotti joined Palermo, helping the team win the Serie B title in the 2013/14 season. His impressive abilities caught Torino’s attention, and he signed with them in 2015.
The 2016/17 season was his breakout year, scoring 26 Serie A goals to finish third in the league’s top scorer rankings, behind only Edin Dzeko and Dries Mertens.
Over the next three seasons, Belotti continued to impress, netting 10, 15, and 16 league goals, respectively. His performances earned him a spot in Italy’s squad for UEFA Euro 2020. In the semi-final against Spain, he scored in the penalty shootout, helping Italy advance to the final. On July 11, 2021, Belotti became a European champion when Italy defeated England in a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium.
Despite a career filled with brilliant performances, it is surprising to see Belotti, once valued at €100 million, now considered a €4.5 million bargain. The forward has now been released by AS Roma as he failed to impress during his loan spell at Fiorentina. He has been seen as surplus to requirements.
Belotti impressed by club project
“I joined Como because I was very impressed by the project presented by the coach and the ownership group.”
“When speaking with the coach, he shared his ideas about football, his approach to each game, and his mentality. This was crucial for me because the coach’s mentality aligns with my own.”
Como manager and football legend Cesc Fabregas also shared his thoughts on Belotti’s signing, emphasizing the striker’s extensive experience in Italy’s top flight.
“We are very happy that Andrea has joined the Como family,” Fabregas said.
“As we embark on an exciting and important season back in Serie A, his experience of the league will be crucial and we know he has the ability to be a formidable goal scorer.”
Fans who followed his steady rise might find it baffling that a player destined for the biggest stages in football is now settling at a newly-promoted club.
Nonetheless, Como will hope Belotti can bring his experience and scoring touch to help them succeed in Serie A. He will also be looking to catapult himself back to the good, old days.
Tags: Como, AS Roma, Roma, Parma, Serie A, Torino, Andrea Belotti, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcsports
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