Catanzaro recruit Algeria-France defender Mehdi Dorval on three-year deal

Algerian-French defender Mehdi Dorval has joined Catanzaro from Bari, signing a contract with the Serie B club until 30 June 2029.

The 25-year-old left-back switches clubs within Italian football after spending the previous part of his career with Bari. His move was completed on 13 August 2026, with Catanzaro bringing in a player who has experience across Italy’s professional and lower divisions.

Dorval has made 123 Serie B appearances, scoring six goals and providing 16 assists. He also has four appearances in the Italy Cup, along with four appearances in Serie B play-offs and three in the play-outs.

His record includes a further 50 appearances in Serie D, where he registered one goal and 10 assists. The figures underline the breadth of his experience in Italian football, having featured regularly in both league and cup competition.

Born in Paris on 9 February 2001, Dorval holds Algerian and French nationality. He began his football journey with Montrouge’s under-17 side before moving to Amiens’ under-19 team in 2018.

Dorval subsequently entered senior football with Aubervilliers in 2020, then joined Fasano and Cerignola in successive seasons. He moved to Bari from Cerignola in July 2022 on a free transfer and went on to establish himself in the Italian system before making the switch to Catanzaro.

The defender is listed as a left-back and is comfortable using either foot. At 1.76m, he brings a recognised wide defensive option to a Catanzaro squad competing in Serie B.

Catanzaro’s decision to secure Dorval through June 2029 gives the player a long-term place at the club following his departure from Bari. His arrival also marks another step in a career that has taken him from youth football in France to senior competition in Italy.

Dorval is now a Catanzaro player under a contract running until 30 June 2029.