Andrea Radrizzani once claimed that Victor Orta had suggested the signing of one of Europe’s best wingers at Leeds United and on Saturday, he won a Euro 2024 man of the match award.
Euro 2024 is now fully underway with four matches having taken place following Germany’s thrashing of Scotland on Friday night. Switzerland managed to beat a potential dark horse in the form of Hungary.
Saturday afternoon saw Spain smash Croatia with a deeply impressive performance that left the ageing Croat side shellshocked. But it was Italy’s performance in the evening that provided the most intrigue.
Albania were expected to be well beaten by holders Italy but before the clock had even hit 30 seconds, Albania found themselves in front. Sylvinho’s side played well beyond what many had expected of them.
Italy hit back quickly with goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella, but Albania had plenty of chances to get themselves an equaliser. Including, inside the final few minutes to draw level, 2-2.
Federico Chiesa wins man of the match award with Italy
But Italy secured the win and there were a number of impressive performances, Barella scoring a super winner on the edge of the box. Juventus star Federico Chiesa was excellent on the right flank for Italy.
The £153k-a-week star won the official man of the match award for his display, despite failing to score or assist. But he came within an inch, smashing a left-footed effort inches past the top corner last night.
A player that bizarrely, could have been wearing the white of Leeds. That is according to former owner Andrea Radrizzani, who claimed in 2023 that Victor Orta had put to him the possible signing of Chiesa.
Victor Orta suggested Leeds sign Chiesa while at Elland Road
A move for the wide man seems incredibly unlikely given just how highly he is rated. Previous reports have even rated him at a whopping fee of £89m, with Liverpool said to be long-term admirers of Chiesa.
Of course, a move to Elland Road never happened and Chiesa has since become an Italy regular. What is unclear is when Orta felt Chiesa was a genuine target for the club and could be brought to Yorkshire.
Already at 26, he has 48 caps for Italy and has clocked up nearly 300 club appearances. For Fiorentina and Juventus, he has 66 goals and 48 assists in 284 games. A move to Leeds then, was always rather fanciful.