LAFC finalizing deal for Lorenzo Dellavalle

FLORENCE, ITALY - NOVEMBER 16: Lorenzo Dellavalle of Italy U19 in action the friendly match between Italy U19 and Hungary U19 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on November 16, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY - NOVEMBER 16: Lorenzo Dellavalle of Italy U19 in action the friendly match between Italy U19 and Hungary U19 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on November 16, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Juventus and LAFC are developing a bit of a connection.

Reigning MLS Cup champions LAFC is nearing a deal with Juventus for defender Lorenzo Dellavalle per Fabrizio Romano. Dellavalle will join Juventus legend and fellow center back Giorgio Chiellini, who joined the Yellow and Black last season.

Dellavalle, 19, came through the Juventus academy but never appeared for the first team. Likely not in Massimiliano Allegri’s plans, Dellavalle gets the opportunity to continue his development in a professional league, having only made appearances for youth teams.

An Italian youth international, Dellavalle has appeared for the U-18 and U-19 squads. His latest appearances for his country came at the U-19 Euros, where the teen started and played every minute of Italy’s trophy-winning run.

Dellavalle fits the profile of LAFC’s “buy, develop, and sell” strategy, and likely will pop up on the wish list of European clubs soon.