Anthony Fontana is set to move to Italy; close to striking a deal

After not renewing his contract with Philadeplhia Union, Anthony Fontana is close to leave the MLS for good and join a European club, specifically in Italy. Serie A Venezia FC or Serie B Ascoli Calcio 1898 FC might be closing a deal soon with the Delaware-born.

Although rumors stated that he was joining the Serie A side, reports indicate that he’s closer to sign with the second division team. Either way, one thing is for sure: the next step on his soccer career will be in Italy.

The news of his imminent departure where broke by his girlfriend, who posted a TikTok saying that the former Philadelphia player was leaving to live in Italy in two days, meaning he already has signed with a club and it’s a matter of time to know where he’ll be playing the remainder of the 2021/2022 season.

Anthony Fontana is a homegrown player for the Union, where he debuted in 2018. Fontana wasn’t a regular in the stating squad, and he even was loaned a couple of times to Bethlehem Steel FC/Philadelphia Union II, the Union’s academy team.

For the 2021 MLS Season, he played just 12 games, starting on four of them for a total of 347 minutes. During this span he wasn’t able to score or assist, something he’ll try to revert with his new team, as he looks to gain regularity.

He’s yet to debut with the USMNT senior squad, as he’s only played for the U-18 and U-20 US teams. Fontana was part of the Philadelphia Union squad that won the Supporters Shield in 2020, the first MLS trophy for the U.

He also has international experience as he played during the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, where he scored to times and assisted on one occasion.

Why Venezia might be the best place for him

Venezia FC is no stranger to having deals with Philadelphia Union and its surroundings, as last summer Philly was in touch with Serie A’s side, but Anthony Fontana was not one of the reasons. Philly sent 19-year-old Jack de Vries to the Italian team on a one-year loan, where he currently plays for the U-19 squad.

Now Fontana is linked with the venetian team, who currently stands 16 in Serie A after the first round of the 2021/2022 season. Venezia is in need for a striker and Fontana could be the answer, as he managed to score 12 goals in just 1,442 minutes he played during his tenure for The Union.

Ascoli, bidding hard for his economic rights

On the other hand, Ascoli Calcio, the fourth eldest team in Italy, is also bidding to acquire his services. As a free agent, Philadelphia Union homegrown player could decide joining them if it could benefit his career.

Ascoli Calcio is currently standing 10 on the Serie B, tier II Italian division, with 26 points on 18 games played so far. And even as it seems they don’t have much options of getting promoted next season, they’re only 12 points behind the current leader of the competition, Pisa.

Ascoli was purchased by American investor Matt Rizzetta and North Sixth Agency last year, which is the reason why Ascoli could be potentially interested in acquiring young American players such as Fontana.