Hot on the heels of Martin Caceres’ return to Juventus, another defender who wore those famous black and white stripes in 2010 will do so once again. Unlike the Uruguayan however, Simone Padoin will not receive adulation from the tifosi nor see a rush on his shirt number in the club shop. While his transfer was unexpected, the reaction to it was not as the 27 year old only featured twice for the club when he was ‘borrowed’ for the North American tour led by the hugely unpopular Alberto Zaccheroni.

Primarily a central midfielder, where he will provide a reliable reserve for both Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, he is also a more than capable left-back. Padoin should prove a valuable addition for Antonio Conte who, during his time at Atalanta used the player extensively. Indeed, during the coach’s ill-fated spell in Bergamo, he played 90 minutes of every Serie A match, registering two goals and two assists. Adding a player who knows the coach and his system is an intelligent move, particularly in the January transfer window when there is very little time to learn.

This term he has made 18 appearances for Stefano Colantuono, keeping some more well known names sitting on the sidelines and arrives on a deal costing €5 million over three years. While many fans may have expected Radja Nainggolan, surely it is better to spend less on a player who is more of a guarantee, take stock and re-evaluate the available options in the summer?

Benvenuto a Torino Simone!