Nicolo Savona makes promise to ‘bring’ one thing with him from Italy to Nottingham Forest

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Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Italian defender Nicolo Savona, whose first words in the Garibaldi red will have excited the fans.

The Reds have been desperate for full-back cover and despite Forest’s interest in Lutcharel Geertruida, Savona was seen as the preferred target.

Forest had a bid rejected for Savona before finally striking a deal with Juventus for the versatile defender, believed to be in the region of £13m.

Now officially announced at the City Ground ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Ham, Savona has delivered a message to his new supporters that will have hopes raised.

Nicolo Savona’s first words as a Nottingham Forest player

After Forest signed Douglas Luiz from Juventus, too, the Reds are clearly hoping to capitalise on the high-pressure experience that playing for one of Italy’s top sides brings.

With Savona now making the same switch, he has described one intangible strength he will look to add to the Forest squad from the off.

He said: “I’m proud to say my new home is here at Nottingham Forest. It’s an honour to join a club with such a big history, two European Cups and incredible fans.

“From Italy to England, I made this journey full of ambition. I’m ready to give my all and bring some Italian spirit to the Garibaldi.”

Clearly, the Italian is excited to get going in the Premier League, a feeling echoed by the Forest hierarchy when commenting on the deal.

Nottingham Forest ‘convinced’ by Nicolo Savona’s potential

Savona joins primarily as back-up for Ola Aina at right-back, but at six foot four, he also gained experience playing centrally for Juventus.

This versatility, alongside the fact that he is only 22, clearly convinced the Forest recruitment team that he was the standout option for the role.

In the official announcement on Forest’s website, Ross Wilson said: “Nicolo gained great experience with Juventus last season, and we’re really pleased he is joining us for his next step.

“He is a versatile player who will be another strong option in our defensive unit, and we are convinced he will continue to develop here at Forest. He understands the demands of playing for a big Club and arrives here keen to make an impact straight away.”