Chennaiyin FC today announced the signing of Italian defender Alessandro Potenza for the second season of the Hero Indian Super League.
The 31-year-old joins Chennaiyin after the expiry of his contract at Italian third tier outfit Foggia Calcio.
Potenza is a product of the Inter Milan youth system and has represented Italy at Under 19, Under 20 and Under 21 levels, winning the 2003 UEFA Under 19 Championship and 2004 UEFA Under 21 Championship.
At Inter Milan, Potenza had stints at Ancona, Parma, Chievo and Spanish La Liga’s Real Mallorca. He then made a permanent switch to Fiorentina in 2006 and spent two seasons there before joining Genoa. However, after just half a season there, Potenza moved to Catania and spent four and a half campaigns there.
In 2013, Potenza joined Serie B outfit Modena before having a one-year stint at Lega Pro club Foggia Calcio.
Chennaiyin FC manager Marco Materazzi said, “We are delighted to have signed Potenza. He is a player I know very well of course and since we were looking for one more defender he was the perfect candidate to fill that slot.
“Potenza has immense experience so he will have a big influence in our team both on and off the pitch. I have full faith in him to make a big contribution in our quest for the title in this year’s ISL.”
Potenza stated, “I would like to thank Marco and Chennaiyin FC for giving me this opportunity to play in the Indian Super League. I think it is a league with great potential and Chennaiyin FC under Marco had a fantastic season last time.
“It will be a big change in environment for me but I am really looking forward to the experience of playing in front of big crowds in India especially Chennai. For now I want to focus on a building a great understanding with my new teammates at the pre-season camp and hopefully we will achieve the goal of making Chennaiyin FC the champions.”
Potenza has already joined Chennaiyin FC’s pre-season training camp base here in Perugia.
