Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone could be heading for a return to Italy in the summer, which could have consequences for Aston Villa youngster Pierluigi Gollini. Mannone has lost his place to Jordan Pickford at Sunderland, and was linked with a move to Serie A in the last window.
Genoa’s Mattia Perin is ruled out for the foreseeable future with a serious knee injury, and Atalanta are still unsure whether to redeem loanee Etrit Berisha, currently their first choice, from Lazio at the end of the season.
It’s likely Mannone would welcome a move to his home country given he is no longer the No.1 at Sunderland.
Mannone moving to Atalanta would have an impact on Aston Villa loanee Pierluigi Gollini, who joined the Serie A side on loan in January. Gollini was expected to been installed as Atalanta’s first choice when he arrived from Aston Villa, but Berisha has held this position.
Gollini only joined Aston Villa in the summer window, and was Roberto Di Matteo’s goalkeeper for the start of the season. However, with Steve Bruce replacing Di Matteo at Aston Villa, Gollini lost his place in the team.
If Atalanta bought Mannone they’d see him as their long term first choice, which would further push Gollini back.
