ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 18, 2016 – Orlando City SC today announced that the Club has acquired former AC Milan and Italian National Team midfielder Antonio Nocerino from D.C. United in exchange for Targeted Allocation Money and General Allocation Money. Nocerino will be added to the Orlando City SC roster upon receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC.
“Antonio is a player that we really admire, who can be effective in a number of different positions, which gives us great depth,” said Founder and President Phil Rawlins. “His vast experience in the Serie A will be invaluable for our team as we aim to make the MLS playoffs in 2016.”
The 30-year-old provides a wealth of experience to City’s roster, having played in over 350 professional games since 2003 for various teams such as 31-time Italian Serie-A champions Juventus and 18-time Serie A champions AC Milan.
Antonio Nocerino Highlights
“Nocerino is an energetic and hard-working box-to-box midfielder that can provide an immediate impact within the squad,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He has a tremendous amount of experience playing at the highest level and his ability to play numerous roles in the midfield will be an incredible asset for us this season. We’re looking forward to working with him.”
He joins the Lions after spending the 2015 season on loan with Parma from AC Milan, scoring three goals in 20 appearances for the Italian Serie A side. The midfielder began his professional career in 2003 with Italian giant Juventus after rising through the Club’s youth academy.
After spending the first four seasons on loan, Nocerino made his debut with Juventus as a member of the starting 11 on the opening day of the 2007 Serie A campaign, playing a key role in the team’s 5-1 win over Livorno. He made 32 appearances for Juventus that season, before permanently moving to Palermo in May 2008.
While at Palermo, the Italian transitioned to a more attacking role, featuring in 106 games during a three-year span. Following a successful stint with Palermo, Nocerino was acquired by Italian super-club AC Milan, where he scored 12 times in 74 appearances. While at the Club, he was named to the Serie A Team of the Year for his impressive performances in the 2011-12 season. While at AC Milan, Nocerino played alongside current Orlando City SC playmaker and captain Kaká.
Infographic: Get to know Antonio Nocerino
Most recently, Nocerino has spent the past two seasons on loan with English Premier League side West Ham United, where he made 10 appearances, and Italian teams Torino and Parma.
On the international stage, the energetic and technical midfielder earned 15 caps for his native country from 2007-2012 and was also a member of the 2012 Italian UEFA European Championship side that finished as Runner-up. Nocerino featured in the quarter-final match against England where he scored in the penalty shootout to help Italy advance deeper into the prestigious tournament.
Transaction: On Feb. 18, Orlando City SC trades Targeted Allocation Money and General Allocation Money to D.C. United in exchange for Midfielder Antonio Nocerino
Name: Antonio Nocerino
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Birth Date: 04/09/1985
Birth Place: Naples, Italy
Citizenship: Italy
