AZ Picerno has officially announced a significant addition to their squad, securing the services of young Italian full-back Francesco Pistolesi. Born in 2005, Pistolesi arrives on a permanent deal following a standout season in Serie D with Siracusa, where he was a key figure in their successful promotion campaign to the professional ranks.
The club has demonstrated immense faith in the teenager`s potential, tying him down to a long-term contract that runs until June 30, 2028.
Despite his tender age, Pistolesi is far from inexperienced. He already boasts solid exposure to Serie C, having made 24 appearances for Fermana during the 2022/23 season. His subsequent move to Siracusa in Serie D saw him thrive, demonstrating the reliability and maturity that earned him a reputation as one of the best full-backs in the division. A slight detour through Serie D, perhaps, but one he clearly used as a personal proving ground, treating it less like a step down and more like a temporary lease on dominance before returning to the professional fold.
Pistolesi is lauded for combining essential physical attributes like pace with astute tactical intelligence and a notable on-field personality that belies his youth. He fits the description of a `modern full-back`, possessing the requisite `gamba` (a technical term indicating stamina and speed), excellent positional sense, necessary aggression, and sharp reading of the game.
AZ Picerno`s management expressed significant enthusiasm regarding the acquisition.
General Manager Vincenzo Greco commented, “Francesco is a signing of absolute value. He has already tasted Serie C consistently, he has just won a championship as a protagonist, and he perfectly embodies the philosophy of our project: ready, hungry young players with significant quality. We are truly happy to welcome him to Picerno.”
Roberto Franzese, responsible for the technical area, echoed these sentiments: “Pistolesi is a modern full-back: he has pace, positional sense, aggressiveness, and an excellent reading of game situations. We followed him for a long time, and bringing him to Picerno is a source of satisfaction. He is young but already accustomed to handling higher-level rhythms and pressures. A profile that can give us a lot.”
The long-term commitment from both player and club underscores Picerno`s strategic focus on building a competitive team around promising young Italian talents. Pistolesi`s arrival is anticipated with excitement, as he represents not just a defensive reinforcement but a potential cornerstone for the club`s future ambitions in Serie C.