Genoa president Preziosi plays down talk of Siena U-turn on Destro

Jun 20, 2012 11:57:00 PM

The Bianconeri were widely expected to decline the chance to enter into a co-ownership agreement but it has been claimed that they are on the verge of changing their minds

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has played down reports that Siena are poised to perform a surprise U-turn and take up their option to acquire a 50 per cent stake in Mattia Destro.

The in-demand forward spent last season on loan at the Artemio Franchi, but it was presumed that the Bianconeri would decide against entering into a co-ownership agreement with the Rossoblu.

However, there is mounting speculation that they have been persuaded to do so by outside parties, rumoured to be Roma and Juventus, both of whom are said to be interested in signing Destro.

"I have not had the opportunity to speak with [Genoa general manager] Pietro Lo Monaco but I don't think things are changing," Preziosi told Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday evening.

"And if an agreement is not reached with Siena tonight, we can find one tomorrow."

Preziosi also claimed that even if Siena acquire half of Destro's registration rights, neither Juventus nor Roma will be able to suddenly sweep in and sign the 21-year-old attacker.

"The player cannot move without our consent; it's not a possibility," he declared. "If Siena takes up their option for half of the registration, we'll talk about it."

The president then revealed that if Genoa must sell Destro this summer, he would much rather see the Inter youth academy product end up back at San Siro.

"We have not promised anything to anyone; we have an open discourse with everyone," he explained.

"But, all things being equal, Inter would have the advantage to take him home on a moral level.

"We are bound to [Inter president Massimo] Moratti in affection and friendship. I would not do anything against his interests, if they obviously tie in with her own.

"If a team offers 10 and Inter 9, I will give him to Inter."

Destro netted 12 times in Serie A last season and his fine goalscoring form earned him inclusion in Italy's provisional squad for Euro 2012.

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