Macheda replaces Cassano at Sampdoria
Reuters - Monday 03 January 2011, 17:46
MILAN - Sampdoria boosted their scant
striking options on Monday by signing Italy under-21 forward
Federico Macheda on loan from Manchester United for the rest of
the season.
Samp have been badly short of firepower since Antonio
Cassano, whose move to AC Milan was officially registered with
Serie A on Monday, was suspended in October for verbally abusing
club president Riccardo Garrone.
"Macheda has easily filled the void left by Cassano, he will
definitely do well," Garrone told reporters.
"In these five months we will try to treat him well. With
him here, the enthusiasm has increased tenfold."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has seen fellow forward
Danny Welbeck enjoy a successful loan spell at Sunderland, said
he wanted Macheda to gain the same first-team experience having
been on the periphery of the squad this term.
Several clubs in England and Italy were interested in the
former Lazio trainee but the chance of fighting for an immediate
first-team place alongside Samp's Giampaolo Pazzini is likely to
have swayed the 19-year-old's decision.