Joseph Portelli in advanced talks to acquire Serie D side Nocerina

Ħamrun Spartans president Joseph Portelli is in advanced negotiations to purchase Italian Serie D club Nocerina, Times of Malta can confirm.

Portelli has long made no secret of his ambition to invest in Italian football and has been linked with several clubs in recent months. Earlier this month, he submitted a bid to acquire fellow Serie D outfit Siena Calcio, but the offer was turned down after the club’s owner, Jonas Bodin, stated that he had no intention of selling.

According to reports in the Italian media, Portelli has now shifted his focus to Nocerina, attracted by the club’s strategic location in the Campania region and, crucially, by the strong passion of its fanbase, a key factor the Maltese businessman consistently prioritises when considering potential acquisitions.

There is also a symbolic link between Nocerina and Ħamrun Spartans, with both clubs sharing the same iconic red and black colours.

Nocerina were acquired in 2022 by a consortium of American investors, Giancarlo Natale, Raffaele Scalzi and Louie A. Goros. The club is currently enjoying a strong campaign in Serie D, sitting fourth in the standings on 33 points and firmly occupying a promotion play-off position.

#MaltaDaily