Placentino, 26, played the 2001 and 2002 seasons with the Impact, before playing the next five years in Italy. This left-footed midfielder, who also plays forward, tallied one goal and four assists in 30 games and 805 minutes of play with the Impact. He then played for six Italian clubs, in second, third and fourth division, from 2003 and 2007, scoring 32 goals. Placentino played for Avelino, Teramo, Cavese, Gualdo, Messese and Gubbio, in 2007.
“We knew he had offensive qualities when he was here and he continues to be a fast player with good technique and a sharp shot,” said Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “The difference is that he has acquired greater experience. It shows in how he moves on the field, as well as in his attitude and professionalism. We hope that he will help us offensively.”
“It’s good to be back home, said Placentino. “I hope I can help out and contribute to the Impact’s success. It’s a great organization, a good team, and in addition, we have a beautiful stadium. In Italy, I learned a lot tactically and I’ve become more disciplined. Being away for five years, I realized that we are fortunate to play soccer and we need to take advantage of that.”
Placentino will train with the Impact today at 10:30 am on the Saputo Stadium training field.
The Impact also announced that midfielder Matthew Palleschi has been released. In 2007, with the Impact, Palleschi scored three goals and tallied seven points in 26 games and 1315 minutes of play.
THE IMPACT IN TROIS-RIVIÈRES
The Impact will face the Trois-Rivières Attak, Friday, in an exhibition game at Alphonse Desjardins Sports Center, at 7:30 pm. It will be the first of three match-ups against its reserve team.
“This game will allow soccer fans in Trois-Rivières the opportunity to see the Impact,” said De Santis. “It will also give playing time to some players who haven’t been on the field since the start of the season. We will also use this game as a solid preparation for our match-up against Toronto FC, Tuesday.”
“I look forward to square off against my former teammates,” said rookie Impact defender Alex Surprenant who played with the Attak last year. “It will be special to play in front of Trois-Rivières fans.”
The Impact will then play the first game of the Canadian Champions League, Tuesday, May 27, against the Toronto FC, at Saputo Stadium (7:30 pm, CKAC Sports, TEAM 990).
To purchase tickets for this historical game, call 514-328-3668 or 514-790-1245.
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
