EXCLUSIVE: Roma plot double swoop for Antonelli and Basta

Roma plot double swoop for Antonelli and Basta

Feb 26, 2013 4:50:00 PM

The Giallorossi have identified the defensive duo as primary transfer targets after a disappointing campaign to date for current stoppers Ivan Piris and Dodo

EXCLUSIVE
By Elia Raimondo

Roma are plotting a double swoop for Luca Antonelli of Genoa and Dusan Basta of Udinese, Goal.com understands.

The Giallorossi are keen to bolster their defence after conceding 47 goals in Serie A to date this season, with only second-from-bottom Pescara boasting a worse record.

The club are believed to have grown frustrated with the performances of Ivan Piris and Dodo in particular, and are consequently intent on adding strength in depth to their back line when the transfer window opens in the summer as they look ahead to the 2013/14 campaign.

Roma officials are confident of securing a deal for 26-year-old Antonelli and 28-year-old Basta, having previously negotiated successful deals with Genoa and Udinese for Mattia Destro and David Pizarro respectively.

Any deal with Antonelli is likely to include a cash-plus-player deal, similar to that which saw Destro move to the capital last summer, while a fee of €7 million is expected to be enough to tempt Udinese to part with their man.

The news comes as Roma look to rebuild ahead of next season, having endured a turbulent campaign in 2012/13 which has left them languishing in eighth place in Serie A.

The club are expected to appoint a permanent successor to Zdenek Zeman before the next transfer window opens, with an Italian coach likely to be the favoured choice after the Czech's disastrous spell in charge.