Orlando City will not have its newest acquisition ready to play when the team takes the field for its opener Sunday against Real Salt Lake.
Antonio Nocerino finally arrived in Orlando on Friday to a raucous crowd at the Orlando International Airport. The former AC Milan striker is expected to get evaluated throughout the week and could make his debut in Orlando City’s second game Friday against the Chicago Fire.
Hi Antonio Nocerino! ?????? #ThisIsOrlando pic.twitter.com/5jFfAbW67u
— Iron Lion Firm (@IronLionFirm) March 4, 2016
He passed a physical Friday according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Nocerino is undoubtedly a very talented player, having played for AC Milan with Kaka and when not playing there, spending the last couple of seasons on loan in the Barclays Premiere League. He is undoubtedly a talented player.
Talented enough that his signing became quite contentious. D.C. United had originally put on a Discovery Claim on him — essentially “calling dibs” — and was trying to negotiate a contract when his interest in Orlando City piqued his interest. The Lions were nearly charged with tampering as they tried to get into the negotiations.
Eventually the teams agreed to some form of compensation and Nocerino got his wish to join Orlando City and the Lions.
Nocerino is a very versatile midfield. He should provide good support in the central midfield and can play both defense and attack. With Orlando City having some questions about its central defense, Nocerino would provide solid support for that area of the field.
That will have to wait until Friday. For now, Orlando City is preparing to put together its first lineup for its first game Sunday.
Carlos Rivas appears to recovering from injury quicker than anticipated and could be available for Sunday’s game. And Tommy Redding will make his first start at center back with David Mateos out for the opener.
