Maltese businessman and Ħamrun Spartans president Joseph Portelli is set to acquire Italian football club Nocerina Calcio, marking a significant step in his ambition to expand into Italian football.

An agreement in principle has reportedly been reached with the club’s current owners, with only the final legal and administrative procedures remaining before the deal can be formally completed.

Portelli has long expressed interest in owning a football club in Italy and developing it through the country’s league system. His long-term vision is to invest in a club with potential for growth and guide it towards higher divisions in the Italian football pyramid.

Earlier this year, Portelli had explored the possibility of purchasing another Italian side but eventually shifted his focus to Nocerina, a historic club based in the Campania region of southern Italy. The team currently competes in Serie D and has been pushing to remain competitive in its group.

During the negotiation period, Portelli travelled to the region to hold meetings with club officials and gain a closer look at the club’s operations. His presence also drew a positive reaction from supporters, many of whom view the potential takeover as an opportunity for renewed stability and ambition.

Despite the move into Italian football, Portelli is not expected to step away from his involvement with Ħamrun Spartans, the Maltese club he has helped transform into one of the country’s leading teams in recent years.

If finalised, the acquisition would represent a notable step for Maltese investment in international football and could open the door to further collaboration and development opportunities between the two football environments.

The takeover is expected to be concluded in the coming weeks once the remaining formalities are completed.