Former Toronto FC left-back signs for an Italian club

Former Toronto FC left-back Luca Petrasso has embarked on a European adventure, securing a six-month loan deal with Italian Serie C club Triestina Calcio 1918. The 23-year-old Torontonian moved to Orlando City in November 2022, and now, Triestina will have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the loan period.

Petrasso is set to make an immediate impact as he joins Triestina’s squad for their upcoming game against AlbinoLeffe on Saturday. This move marks another Canadian and Toronto FC product testing their skills in Europe, following in the footsteps of players like Liam Fraser and Jayden Nelson.

During his time with Orlando, Petrasso made 12 appearances in MLS last season, starting four games. He played a crucial role in Orlando’s CONCACAF Champions League campaign, starting in both legs of their last-16 clash against Tigres, where they were eventually eliminated on away goals.

Having spent nine years at Toronto FC, Petrasso rose through the ranks from the youth system to TFC II, accumulating 27 appearances in all competitions for the Reds in 2022 before being traded to Orlando. Italian outlet La Casa Di C reported the fee for a permanent deal would likely be in the range of $365,000-$440,000. Toronto FC retained a sell-on percentage as part of the trade, potentially earning them a small windfall if Triestina opts for a permanent deal in the summer.

As former TFC players make moves, Toronto FC itself is reportedly in pursuit of defensive reinforcements, with links to Aberdeen defender Angus MacDonald and Nantes right-back Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel.