The agent of Napoli midfielder Walter Gargano has revealed Fiorentina and Juventus both rejected the chance to sign the Uruguayan in the summer.

Gargano has been a revelation this season and Vincenzo D'Ippolito said: "Before bringing Gargano to Napoli, he was offered to several Italian clubs, including Juventus, but pushed hard for Fiorentina.

"Virtually all the Italian teams refused because the player wasn't well known and they believed he was not suited to our football.

"Instead, (Napoli sports chief Pierpaolo) Marino gave him confidence and now Gargano is a first-choice at Napoli.

"Marino once again has proved a great connoisseur."