The football world, especially at the grassroots, rarely stands still. For AC Bra, a club basking in the glow of a recent promotion, the summer transfer window is not just a period of speculation but a critical phase of strategic development. Having ascended to Serie C, the Piedmontese club is wasted no time in reinforcing its ranks, making a decisive triple acquisition that signals clear intentions for the challenging season ahead.
AC Bra has officially welcomed three new faces to its roster: Giorgio Lionetti, a versatile midfielder; Paolo Cannistrà, a robust defender; and Ismet Sinani, a promising forward. These signings, meticulously orchestrated by the club management and at the behest of coach Fabio Nisticò, are more than just additions; they are foundational pieces aimed at solidifying the squad for the rigors of the 2025/2026 Serie C campaign.
Strategic Additions for a New Challenge
Navigating a higher division after promotion requires a blend of experience, tenacity, and a touch of the unknown. AC Bra appears to be targeting precisely these attributes with its latest signings. Each player brings a distinct skillset and a history of competing in challenging environments, primarily across Serie D, with some valuable exposure to Serie C.
Giorgio Lionetti: The Midfield Engine
Born in 1998, Giorgio Lionetti arrives as a central midfielder known for his versatility and performance. Hailing from Melito di Porto Salvo, Lionetti spent the 2024/2025 season with Ligorna in Serie D, Group A, consistently demonstrating his capability to control the tempo of a game and contribute across the pitch. His extensive resume includes stints with Lavagnese, Castanese, RG Ticino, Ponte San Pietro, Lucchese, Rimini, Juve Stabia, Virtus Verona, and Potenza, alongside youth development at Catanzaro. Such a journeyman`s path, while perhaps lacking the glamour of top-tier stability, speaks volumes about a player`s resilience and adaptability – qualities invaluable for a newly promoted side.
Paolo Cannistrà: Defensive Fortitude
The backline gains significant reinforcement with Paolo Cannistrà. A central defender born in 2000 from Chiaravalle Centrale, Cannistrà is described as possessing notable physicality and grit. His recent experience comes from NovaRomentin in Serie D, Group A, where he honed his craft. Prior to that, his career path included Vado, Fossano, RG Ticino, Piacenza, and Cavese, with youth development at Spal and Catanzaro. For a club stepping up a division, a strong, uncompromising defender like Cannistrà is less of a luxury and more of a fundamental necessity. He is expected to provide the structural integrity required to repel more potent attacks in Serie C.
Ismet Sinani: The Goal Poacher
Perhaps the most exciting of the trio for the fans, Ismet Sinani joins as the club`s new `bomber`. Born in Belluno in 1999, with Kosovar-Albanian roots, Sinani is a central forward adept at operating across the entire attacking third, bringing a crucial “nastiness” and determination in the penalty area. His most recent venture was with Clodiense, following spells at Legnago, Virtus Verona, Levico Terme, Union San Giorgio, Sicula Leonzio, and Juve Stabia. Significantly, Sinani boasts a considerable number of appearances in Serie C and Primavera 1, underscoring his pedigree at higher levels. His presence offers coach Nisticò a proven goal threat, an absolute essential for any team aiming to establish itself in a new league.
The Road Ahead for AC Bra
These acquisitions underscore AC Bra`s pragmatic approach to their newfound Serie C status. It`s not merely about filling roster spots but about strategically integrating players who understand the demands of Italian lower-league football, possess the right temperament, and can immediately contribute. Coach Fabio Nisticò now has a more robust and versatile squad at his disposal, equipped with both the raw physicality and the tactical intelligence needed to face the challenges ahead.
As the pre-season machinery whirs into action, the early signs from Bra are clear: they are not content to be just participants. With Lionetti, Cannistrà, and Sinani on board, AC Bra is making a compelling case that their promotion was not an endpoint, but merely the start of a new, ambitious chapter in their footballing journey.