Torino are wasting no time in shaping their squad for the upcoming campaign, with the goalkeeping department emerging as a top priority. According to Tuttosport, the Granata have intensified their pursuit of Wladimiro Falcone from Lecce while also opening exploratory talks for Hellas Verona’s Lorenzo Montipò. These moves signal a clear intent to overhaul the last line of defense, raising questions about the future of current number one Vanja Milinković-Savić.
Falcone, 31, has been one of the standout shot-stoppers in Serie A since helping Lecce earn promotion in 2022. His agility, reflexes, and ability to command the area have caught the eye of Torino’s technical director, Gianluca Petrachi, who is reportedly driving the negotiations. Crucially, the former Sampdoria youth product is believed to be receptive to the idea of joining Torino, especially if Roberto D’Aversa remains at the helm. The pair previously worked together at Lecce, where D’Aversa’s pragmatic, defensively structured approach helped Falcone thrive.
D’Aversa’s future, however, remains a subject of speculation. The manager’s contract runs until 2027, but his tenure has been under scrutiny following a mid-season slump. Should the club confirm him for next season, that decision could serve as the decisive factor in persuading Falcone to make the move north. As Tuttosport notes, Falcone would welcome the chance to reunite with a coach who knows how to get the best out of him.
Meanwhile, the emergence of Montipò as a concrete target adds another dimension to Torino’s planning. The 30-year-old Verona custodian has built a reputation as a reliable, consistent performer in Serie A, often keeping his team in contention despite limited resources. Torino’s interest suggests that they are not putting all their eggs in one basket, preparing alternative options should the Falcone deal encounter obstacles.
The double pursuit also hints at a potential shift in philosophy. Torino’s defense has been a mixed bag this term, with errors and inconsistency plaguing the goalkeeping position. By targeting two high-caliber Italian- league proven keepers, the club appears ready to invest heavily to solve a long-standing issue.
Over at Lecce, Falcone’s immediate focus is entirely on survival. The Giallorossi face a nervy final-day showdown against Genoa, knowing that a victory would mathematically secure their Serie A status. Any other result would leave them praying for a Cremonese defeat elsewhere. In a heartfelt moment during a press conference this week, Falcone told reporters: “I hope that the Lecce fans will remember me.” It was a poignant statement that reflected the deep bond he has formed with the Salento faithful, even as transfer rumors swirl. For Lecce, losing Falcone – who is under contract until 2028 – would be a significant blow, but the player’s desire to compete at a higher level may be impossible to ignore.
The financial realities of both deals remain unclear, though Falcone’s contractual situation gives Lecce some leverage. Torino would likely have to pay a premium for a keeper they see as a long-term solution. Montipò, whose deal with Verona expires in 2027, would also command a fee in the €5-8 million range.
What does this mean for Torino’s existing goalkeepers? Milinković-Savić, once heralded as a potential star, has struggled for consistency and could be headed for the exit. Meanwhile, youngster Luca Gemello would likely seek loan opportunities to gain first-team experience elsewhere.
From a broader perspective, a Falcone-Montipò arrival package would instantly elevate Torino’s defensive stability and rival reshuffles at other mid-table clubs. As the summer window approaches, the Granata are intent on being proactive rather than reactive.
For now, the focus remains on final-day drama. Falcone must compartmentalize his future and deliver a vintage performance against Genoa to keep Lecce afloat. His role in that match could be his parting gift to the club that gave him a platform, even as Torino wait in the wings.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
