Elia Caprile left Leeds United on a permanent basis last summer to join second-tier Italian side Bari and the stopper has since sparkled in his home country – and Davide Torchia told TMW he is one of the best goalkeepers in Italy.
Caprile, 21, spent two and a half years at Leeds after joining us in January 2020. He played 19 times for the club’s second string, and did appear on the senior bench under Marcelo Bielsa. But Caprile decided to go on loan in 2019.
He joined third-tier side Pro Patria on loan and impressed, clocking up 13 clean sheets in 39. It saw Bari make their move for Caprile in the summer, signing a three-year deal. He has been excellent, helping Bari reach the play-offs.
Serie B works in that third and fourth go straight into the play-off semi-finals, while fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth fight it out for the other two semi-final spots. Bari finished in third, and agent Torchia heaped praise on Caprile.
Torchia was discussing the best goalkeepers in Italian football – naming the likes of Milan’s Mike Maignan, Inter’s Andre Onana and more. Then, he discussed actual Italian goalkeepers – and Caprile’s name was mentioned.
“Caprile has had a top-level season in a very difficult championship. Ciro Polito [Bari sporting director] could not get his choice wrong, he found the right name. He has quality. Born in 2001, he has great character. Ready for Serie A.”
Caprile one of best goalkeepers in Italy after leaving Leeds last summer
What a season Caprile has had. The goalkeeper has played 39 times for Bari this season, playing all but one of Bari’s 40 matches this term. When he did join, it was unsure if he would be a starter. Conceding 34, 15 clean sheets.
Not only is he pushing his Bari side towards the top tier of Italian football, his form will be generating glances from afar. Most likely, from Serie A. His form has been sensational and is deserving of a chance in Italy’s first division.
