MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced on Friday that Italian striker Daniele Paponi has been officially loaned to the club by Bologna F.C., from the Italian first division, with the deal to be finalized upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. As per Major League Soccer policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Paponi, who turned 25 on April 16, joined the Impact following a trial with the Impact.
“He is a player that can add a lot of offensive depth to our roster,” said Impact sporting director Nick De Santis. He has qualities and a profile that differ from Marco Di Vaio and Andrew Wenger. He plays well with his back to goal, he’s very intense and possesses many characteristics required to be an MLS player. He is still very young and could become an important piece of this team in the future.”
Paponi scored the lone goal in Bologna’s 1-0 friendly win over the Impact in November, while the team was in Italy for its post-season tour.
"He is still very young and could become an important piece of this team in the future."
Prior to joining the Impact, Paponi played three games in Serie A and one Coppa Italia game with Bologna in 2012/2013. He’s played 18 games over three seasons with the club from Emilia-Romagna, where he was teammates with the Impact’s Designated Player Marco Di Vaio and midfielder Andrea Pisanu.
He started his professional career in 2005 with Parma F.C. at just 17-years-old after spending time with the club’s youth system. He scored one goal in 16 games in Serie A and two goals in seven games in Serie B with the team between 2005 and 2008. He also scored two goals in 36 games in Serie B with AC Cesena and AC Rimini.
The forward also appeared in six UEFA Cup games with Parma in 2006/2007, scoring two goals and adding an assist, while adding another two goals in nine games played in the Coppa Italia.
At the international level, Paponi represented Italy on four occasions with the U20 national team.
DANIELE PAPONI
Position: Forward
Height: 6’0
Weight: 159 lbs.
Birthdate: April 16, 1988, Ancona, Italy
Place of residence: Ancona, Italy
Acquired: April 19, 2013
