Aston Villa Are Set To Rival Roma In Pursuit Of This Serie A Full-Back: Decent Fit For Emery? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Corriere Dello Sport mentioned that Aston Villa are set to rival Roma in pursuit of Torino full-back Raoul Bellanova. It has been stated that the Villans are showing interest in bringing the Italian talent to Villa Park this summer.

Bellanova has enjoyed a decent campaign at the Italian club after putting in a string of impressive displays for them in Serie A. The Italy international has scored one goal and secured seven assists in 37 league matches for Torino this season.

The 24-year-old has caught the eye at times on the right side of the Italian club’s defence as he is averaging 1.0 tackles, 0.8 clearances, 0.9 shots, 1.4 key passes, 1.2 crosses and 1.2 dribbles per game in Serie A. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from the right flank based on his pass completion rate of 85.4% in the Italian top flight (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at the Italian club will run out in the summer of 2027 which could make it tough for the Villans to snap him up on a cut-price deal later this year.

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – MARCH 24: Raoul Bellanova #25 of Italy during the first half of the Ecuador v Italy – International Friendly at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Is Bellanova A Good Fit For Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery?

Bellanova loves a tackle and usually clears the danger when the opposition are on the front foot. He can shoot the ball with power from long range and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the opponent’s half. The Italian full-back is a good dribbler with the ball as well. He mainly functions as a right-back but can also serve as a right-sided wide player or operate as a left-back if needed.

Bellanova will undeniably enhance the quality of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery’s defence. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at the West Midlands club in the coming years.

At 24, Bellanova has his best years ahead of him which makes him a great fit for Aston Villa‘s needs in the long run. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in England. Still, Emery would be wise to engineer a move for him so that he can bolster his backline ahead of the new campaign.