Empoli take on Juventus prospects

Empoli FC have signed striker Rej Volpato and attacking midfielder Sebastian Giovinco from Juventus as they plot their domestic and European assault for the coming season.

High hopes
Volpato, 20, scored six goals in 22 Serie B games last season while on loan at AC Arezzo having previously played 13 times in Serie A during a similar spell at AC Siena. Juventus, who have just been promoted back to the top flight, will retain 50 per cent of his playing licence. The 20-year-old Giovinco, who joins Empoli on a one-season loan, is considered one of the Turin club's brightest prospects. He made three Serie B appearances last season and made his Italy Under-21 debut in 2007-09 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying last month. Both players will hope to get a first taste of European football when Empoli, who finished seventh last season, enter the UEFA Cup first round in September.