Black Cats were hoping to land Azzurri youngster.
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Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio has failed in an audacious bid to sign highly rated young Napoli front man Lorenzo Insigne this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The Italy international has been at Napoli throughout his whole career to date, making his debut for the Naples-based club four years ago.
And in the intervening period, the 22-year-old has gone on to establish himself as being one of the most promising and exciting marksmen in Serie A, after shining on loan at both Foggia and Pescara in recent seasons.
At the former, Insigne netted an impressive 19 goals in just 33 league outings, while at the latter the Italian found the back of the net on 18 occasions in only 37 league matches, meaning a return to his parent club for the 2012/13 campaign.
However, despite just five goals in Serie A for Napoli in 38 games, Insigne has shown glimpses of brilliance at times in Southern Italy, while the player also caught the eye with his displays at the recent Emirates Cup in north London when scoring a wonder goal against the hosts Arsenal.
But despite Sunderland registering interest in the Italian, Insigne’s agent has since confirmed that his client will not be moving to the Stadium of Light next season.
“The Sunderland rumour is true,” said Fabio Andreotti, “but Lorenzo wants to stay here, even if it means earning less money.”