Ciro Immobile is poised to transfer to Besiktas, setting the stage for a recreation of the Rome derby in Istanbul next season against José Mourinho. Besiktas officials arrived in Rome on Thursday morning to finalize the acquisition of the Italian striker from Lazio. Immobile, an experienced center-forward, holds the record as Biancocelesti’s top scorer, tallying 207 goals in 340 matches across all competitions.
During his time at Lazio, the 34-year-old never managed to score against Mourinho’s Roma, although Lazio emerged victorious in four matches against their city rivals, suffering only one defeat to the Giallorossi. With Immobile’s move to Besiktas, he and Mourinho are set to recreate the intensity of the Rome derby in Istanbul.
Just months ago, in November 2023, Immobile sparked controversy during a derby della Capitale, vehemently protesting after committing a foul. Mourinho, the former Roma coach, was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, repeatedly urging the referee to issue Immobile a second yellow card, arguing that the striker deserved it but was not punished.