Heat in Verona fuels Hellas' push for Serie A reinforcements

Under the scorching Ferragosto sun, Hellas Verona celebrated a Coppa Italia penalty shoot‑out win over Entella on Sunday. Coach Marco Baroni used the victory to send a clear message: the squad still needs four or five more players to mount a serious Serie A challenge.

Baroni, speaking after the match, said, “C’è tanto da lavorare e soprattutto da completare la rosa. Credo che per fare un campionato importante ci servano ancora quattro o cinque giocatori.” The comment underscored the urgency of bolstering the roster before the league campaign begins.

He also highlighted the constant dialogue with sporting director Sean Sogliano, whose task is to shape a side capable of returning to Serie A. Both men agree the club must outpace Palermo for the top spot in the promotion race.

New midfield arrivals

From Como, Hellas secured a loan for French midfielder Andréa Le Borgne. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Avellino and represented his country at the UE (Under‑20) World Cup in Chile, where the team finished fourth.

In parallel, Sogliano approved Lorenzo Montipò’s permanent move to Venezia and arranged a similar loan for midfielder Nunzio Lella. Lella, who has earned three promotions to Serie A – one with Cagliari and two with Venezia – adds depth to the midfield.

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Defensive reinforcement returns

Hellas also re‑signed defender Pawel Dawidowicz, a former Verona stalwart from 2018 to 2025. He left the club after 180 appearances and four goals, having helped secure promotion in 2019 and six consecutive league survivals.

Dawidowicz spent the last season with Rakow Czestochowa before becoming a free agent. Baroni, who coached him in the 2023‑24 season, confirmed the deal was concluded quickly, and the Polish centre‑back can also operate in midfield if needed.

On the attacking front, Verona are monitoring Walid Cheddira, who returned to Napoli after loan spells at Sassuolo and Lecce. The club faces stiff competition, with Frosinone currently ahead for the Moroccan striker’s signature, and an agreement with Napoli still pending.

Negotiations are also underway for winger Rafik Belghali, valued at €6 million, with Sassuolo. As part of that deal, midfielder Edoardo Iannoni is set to join Hellas; Iannoni was promoted at Sassuolo for the 2024‑25 season under coach Fabio Grosso.

Outgoings and unresolved deals

Slovak midfielder Tomas Suslov has attracted a €5 million offer plus bonuses from Turkish side Kasimpasa. Baroni, backed by Sogliano, has omitted Suslov from the squad for the Entella match and announced he will remain sidelined until the transfer is resolved.

Hellas’ next test arrives on Sunday at the Bentegodi stadium, where they host Ascoli. The club will need to integrate its new signings quickly as the Serie A campaign looms.