Ascoli Calcio 1898 FC S.p.A. has officially announced the acquisition of defender Manuel Nicoletti. The club and the player have agreed to an annual contract, set to run until June 30, 2026. However, the deal includes a rather direct performance incentive: an automatic renewal clause that activates specifically in the event of Ascoli achieving promotion to Serie B.
Born on December 9, 1998, in Catanzaro, Nicoletti honed his skills in the youth sector of Crotone. He progressed rapidly, making his senior debut for the club in Serie B at the remarkably young age of just fifteen in a match against Modena. This appearance earned him the distinction of being the youngest debutant in Crotone`s history in the second tier. A testament to early promise, perhaps, even if the career path ahead involved navigating the complexities of Italy`s lower divisions.
Nicoletti`s potential did not escape the notice of the Italian national youth setup. He earned call-ups and represented Italy at the Under 16, Under 17 (under coach Tedino, alongside future senior international Scamacca), and Under 18 levels (under coach Baronio). International recognition at a young age often bodes well, suggesting a solid technical foundation and tactical awareness.
His initial professional experience unfolded in Serie C with his hometown club, Catanzaro. Over three seasons, he accumulated 79 appearances, including playoff and Coppa Italia matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Following his time in Catanzaro, Nicoletti`s journey continued through various Serie C clubs, including Monopoli and Foggia (where he contributed 2 goals and 1 assist combined), a brief return to Crotone in Serie B, and subsequent spells at Reggiana, Casertana, and most recently, Picerno.
At Picerno, his club of origin prior to joining Ascoli, Nicoletti made 14 appearances in the 2024/25 league campaign and also featured in the first round of the playoffs. His arrival at Ascoli sees him reunite with Mister Tomei, who evidently valued his capabilities during their shared time in Basilicata. Familiarity between player and coach can sometimes smooth the integration process into a new squad, bypassing the usual introductory formalities.
The Bianconeri club extends a warm welcome to Manuel. His signing is a strategic move aimed at reinforcing the defense with a player who, despite his relatively young age, brings a wealth of experience from various levels of Italian football. The conditional contract structure clearly aligns the player`s future directly with the club`s immediate ambition: promotion to Serie B.
