As I’m sure you are all aware it’s that time of year again. Yes, in less the than two weeks time the January transfer window will open for business and Davide Nicola will no doubt have some potential targets lined up as he looks to strengthen the squad before they continue to battle for their Serie A lives in the second half of the season.
A striker will no doubt be the priority as the lack of a clinical goalscorer has costly them dearly this season despite a decent haul of goals from Paulinho (6) and also some good all round performances, it is clear another more clinical striker is needed to help take some of the weight off of the Brazilian.
The best plan of action would be to look for a player with Serie A experience and one that has proven himself in the top league. So who are some of the possibilities I hear u asking? Well, don’t worry, we’ll get to that.
One sticking problem could be that the Amaranto may look to loan instead of buying (for financial reasons), something many clubs may not want to do. Although a quality striker could end up saving them from relegation. This is the dilemma they face.
Although no real names have been mentioned, one striker that could be a possibility is Rolando Bianchi of Bologna. The Atalanta youth product joined the Rossoblu in the summer after spending five years at Torino where he averaged close to a goal every two games, although some of those seasons were in Serie B.
The former Reggina man has struggled since making the move to Bologna in the summer only scoring once and a move could be a possibility even if it is only on a short term loan. Despite his struggles this season he has proven in the past that he is a goalscorer and he would be a good edition to help chip in with goals.
Another possibility could be Sergio Floccari of Lazio. The ex-Genoa man is out of contract at the end of the season and it isn’t likely that he will renew his contract with the capital club, meaning he could be allowed to leave for a small fee.
He has also struggled for playing time this season with young striker Brayan Perea taking his place in the team this year after some good performances and Floccari has fell even further down the pecking order at the Aquile.
However, the fact he has played for Lazio is a problem. The Livornesi are not fond of the Laziale (to put it lightly) and it even stopped the potential transfer of ex-Lazio striker Tommaso Rocchi in the summer.
The Italian played for the Biancocelesti for eight years and is somewhat of a legend at the club. This history meant that Aldo Spinelli gave into fan pressure and opted not to sign the then free agent. Floccari doesn’t quite have the same history with Lazio as Rocchi, but it could still stop a potential transfer.
Whatever the Amaranto do in the January transfer market a striker is a must in order to try take some of the pressure of Paulinho and most importantly help them climb up the table.
IMHO, Livorno need a trequartista or regista. I think Emeghara, Paulinho and Siligardi are good forwards but a midfielder with more flair and imagination would be useful.