AS Roma: Lamela’s move to Spurs sparks Serie A domino effect

And Fiorentina have replaced Ljajic with Croatian youngster Ante Rebic (Getty Images)

Since emerging from the youth set-up at Hajduk Split in 2011, Rebic scored 18 goals in 60 appearances for RNK and similarly to Ljajic, he can play an effective role in a variety of attacking positions. Fiorentina’s new number 9 will join up immediately with Montella’s squad and will form a new-look attack together with Mario Gomez, Guiseppe Rossi and Joaquin.

After performing brilliantly for Croatia in this summer’s under-20 World Cup with 3 goals in 4 games, Rebic was elevated to Igor Stimac’s senior squad in August and scored within just 3 minutes of coming off the bench. It is this impact and burgeoning talent that has alerted scouts from the likes of Tottenham and Swansea before Fiorentina landed their man.

After Lamela’s switch to Spurs was finally rubber-stamped, it sparked a busy few days of business in Serie A and it has been interesting business, Adem Ljajic will begin the next chapter of his promising career at Roma while Rebic will have the platform of Montella’s fluid Fiorentina to showcase his talents.

The Giallorossi will cry the loss of Totti’s natural heir, but that title is now open to Ljajic, the eyes will be very much on him just as Fio’s eyes will be on Rebic.