Andrea Belotti targeted by Man United, AC Milan: Seven things you didn't know about the striker

Sport360 staff 20:15 12/06/2017
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • After a superb Serie A campaign with Torino in which he scored 26 goals, Andrea Belotti has emerged as one of the most sought after strikers in Europe.

    Manchester United have been strongly linked to the 23-year-old while AC Milan are also eyeing him up.

    However, there is a €100 million buyout clause attached to the striker and while that may not be met, any potential suitors will have to table a big enough offer to tempt Torino.

    Here, we take a look at a few facts about the Italian you may not have known.

    RELENTLESS WORKER

    One of Belotti’s best features is his incredible work-rate, a trait that Jose Mourinho in particular would welcome at United. The striker is renowned for chasing down every ball and putting defenders under pressure.

    Apparently it all stems from words of wisdom from his father as he told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.

    “My father told me: ‘If you don’t leave the pitch absolutely exhausted, it means you haven’t given it your all.”

    MOST FOULED PLAYER

    With the strength of an ox, Belotti is no pushover. However, because it’s so difficult to shove him off the ball, defenders often resort to unlawful methods. That, coupled with his pace and the fact that he is just a handful in general, makes him Serie A’s most fouled player.

    The Torino man has been fouled 3.6 times per game on average, well above Perparim Hatemaj (3.0) in second or Alejandro Gomez (2.9) in third.

    POSITION CHANGE

    Back in 2010, Belotti made his youth team debut for Serie B side AlbinoLeffe and was played as a midfielder and winger. He struggled to make an impression but eventually came good when he was given an opportunity up front.

    He began playing for the first team in the 2012-13 season and even though they were relegated, a young Belotti left his mark on the campaign with 12 goals.

    NICKNAMED “THE ROOSTER”

    Given that he’s blessed with the physique of a boxer and certainly packs a punch, it’s a little disappointing that he didn’t have the nickname “The Italian Stallion” bestowed upon him. Shame, but then again, he’s no southpaw.

    Instead, Il Gallo — “the Rooster” — is the nickname he’s earned owing to his trademark goal celebration where he mimicks a rooster by placing his open hand on his forehead.

    PALERMO PAY CUT

    After he was relegated with AlbinoLeffe to the third division in the 2012-13 season, he decided to take a pay cut in order to join Palermo ad remain in Serie B.

    A decision that proved a shrewd one as he soon made it to Serie A with the club.

    SHEVCHENCKO FAN

    He grew up as an AC Milan fan, and idolised Ukraine star Andriy Shevchenko. Belotti has admitted to dreaming about becoming like the iconic striker when he was a child, confessing to studying him on television.

    “I’ve never met Shevchenko, but my girlfriend did surprise me, as on the day of my birthday, they showed me a message from him wishing me a lovely day. I was as happy as a child, I even cried with joy,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

    PLAYING WITH DYBALA

    During his time at Palermo, Belotti played alongside another promising forward who has since gone on to become a superstar in Serie A.

    Paulo Dybala was ahead of the Italian in the pecking order at the time but following the Argentine’s move to Juventus, Belotti was the ma to replace him.

    Recommended