Premier League side Southampton recently sent a scouting mission to monitor the progress of Ascoli striker Gianluca Scamacca, as per Serie B News.
The report goes onto state that the Saints scouts watched a game involving Ascoli and Spezia last weekend. Scamacca was in action, though the report says that Milan and Roma are also interested in signing the striker.
But Scamacca isn’t the only player who impressed Southampton. Spezia defender Martin Erlic also caught the eyes of scouts, the report claims. It is said that Erlic played out an ‘excellent’ game and Southampton will have to fend off potential offers from Serie A sides in the summer.
Should Southampton sign any players from Serie B?
No, too much of a risk
Yes, risks worth taking
Scamacca impressing in front of goal
Scamacca is currently 21 and has been in good form for Ascoli this season. He has made 20 Serie B appearances for the side and racked up a tally of seven goals for them. The Coppa Italia saw him score as many as four goals in just two outings.
He is currently on loan from Serie A side Sassuolo and has previously been at Rome rivals Roma and Lazio during his younger days. This is currently his third loan spell from the Neroverdi, having spent time at PEC Zwolle and Cremonese.
As for Erlic, he has made 10 Serie B appearances for Spezia. The Croatian is a former Sassuolo player himself and he had only left the club in the summer.
TIF Tactics
Southampton already have two strikers under the age of 23 in Michael Obafemi and Che Adams. They might not want another up-and-coming striker in Scamacca at the club.
As for Erlic, he is yet to make a single top-flight appearance and Southampton may not want to take the risk at this point.