Atalanta sign Italy international Bellanova from Torino

Rome: Atalanta have confirmed the signing of Raoul Bellanova from Torino.Italy international Bellanova has officially joined Atalanta on a permanent transfer from Torino.Several reputable sources in Italy claim the deal is worth €20m plus €5m add-ons. Bellanova is Atalanta’s eighth summer signing in 2024.

“Atalanta BC are glad to announce the permanent signing of footballer Raoul Bellanova from Torino. The 24-year-old wingback native of Milan joins the Nerazzurri after imposing himself as one of the best assist providers of the 2023/24 Serie A season,” the Nerazzurri said in a statement.

“Born on May 17 2000 in Rho, in the province of Milan, he rose through the ranks of Milan’s Youth System all the way to the first team, also featuring multiple Senior squad lists.

“In January 2019 he signed for Bordeaux, keeping him on loan at the Rossonero Club until the end of the season before finalizing his permanent move to France in the summer. He made his debut as a Girondin starting the MD1 game against Angers aged 19.

“In January 2020 he crossed the Alps once again for his first stint at Atalanta: during his loan spell in Bergamo, Bellanova made his Serie A debut as a Nerazzurro in the 6-2 “1,000-year Derby” win over Brescia. He then spent the following season at Serie B side Pescara before rising back to the Italian top-flight with Cagliari, where, on the grounds of his 31 appearances, 1 goal and 2 assists for the Casteddu Club, he earned himself a loanee spot at Inter in the 2022/23 campaign – which saw him play 22 matches, including the UEFA Champions League final played against Manchester City, for the Beneamata across all competitions and close the season winning the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup titles.

“Upon completing a permanent move to Torino last season, Bellanova imposed himself as one of the Granata side’s main protagonists featuring 36 matches in the starting XI of his 37 Serie A appearances), netting one goal and providing an impressive tally of 7 assists.

“An Azzurro representative, Raoul donned all Italy’s jerseys from the U15s to the Senior side, featuring in two Under-17s Euros, one U19s continental pageant (where he garnered runner-up honours) and two further Under-21s pageants. He also participated in a U20s World Cup.

“In March 2024 came his very first call-up from Italy’s Senior team, with whom he made his debut in the friendly game against Ecuador, before joining the the Azzurri’s shortlist for the Euro 2024 expedition in Germany.

“The Percassi and Pagliuca families and the whole Club would like to extend a warm welcome back to Raoul and wish him the best of luck in his future personal and team endeavours as a Nerazzurro.”