Ħamrun Spartans president Joseph Portelli is in advanced talks to purchase Italian Serie D club Nocerina, the Times of Malta can confirm. The Gozitan businessman has made no secret of his ambition to buy an Italian team and, following several links to other clubs, appears close to finalizing a deal.

Portelli was previously linked with a bid for Serie D side Siena earlier this month, but the offer was rejected by owner Jonas Bodin, who was not interested in selling the club. This failed attempt has not discouraged Portelli from pursuing his goal.

Reports in the Italian media confirm that advanced discussions are underway regarding the Nocerina takeover. Portelli is reportedly attracted to the club due to its location in the Campania region and, critically, the passion of its fanbase—a key ingredient he consistently looks for in potential acquisitions. A notable similarity between his current club, Ħamrun Spartans, and Nocerina is their shared red and black team colours.

In an interview last December, Portelli outlined his plan for an Italian club acquisition: to invest in the team and guide it up the echelons of Italian football with the ultimate dream of winning promotion to the Serie A. Nocerina is currently enjoying a positive season and sits fourth in the Serie D standings with 33 points, occupying a promotion play-off spot. The club was previously bought by American businessmen Giancarlo Natale, Raffaele Scalzi, and Louie A. Goros in 2022.