Everton will hope history doesn't repeat itself as Raoul Bellanova wanted

Everton are considering signing Atlanta right-back Raoul Bellanova, but history may not be on the Toffees' side.

The 26-year-old has emerged as a target for the Toffees as they look to shore up their options in the position.

David Moyes was forced to rely on playing centre-back Jake O'Brien out of position in the 2025-26 campaign.

The position is one of priority for the Blues, and Bellanova is the latest name to be linked.

A report from The Times on 9 June claimed that the 26-year-old is on the L3 outfit's radar and they are considering his merits.

However, history is not on their side when it comes to Italian full-backs, so they need to take caution if they advance their interest.

Bellanova could be Alessandro Pistone 2.0 at Everton

Everton will pray that history does not repeat itself if they sign Bellanova this summer.

Alessandro Pistone was signed from Newcastle in 2000, and was pacy, strong and could put in a good cross.

They are all attributes that Moyes will hope that the six-cap Italy international could bring to Hill Dickinson Stadium, but it was not all rosy for the defender.

He played 103 times, but spent a lot of time on the sidelines with injury, and they will hope that Bellanova does not suffer a similar fate.

Why Everton's history with Italians provides little confidence

Everton's history when signing Italian players is very spotty, so they may be put off a move for the former Inter Milan man.

The most recent addition from the nation was Moise Kean, but the striker never really settled, making 39 appearances, notching four goals and two assists.

He was loaned to Paris Saint-Germain for the 2020–2021 season and Juventus for the 2021–2022 campaign before securing a permanent move to the Turin side.

Matteo Ferrari was signed on loan in the summer of 2005, but he underwhelmed and the Blues did not take up their £4.7million option to buy.

Marco Materazzi was brought in on loan in 1998, but he was sent off three times in 27 matches, and returned to Perugia after just one season, not being able to shake his homesickness.

Hopefully, if he is added to the Toffees' squad, Bellanova can break the curse that seemingly surrounding the Blues' previous Italian imports.