Maccabi Haifa Signs Serbian-American Striker Andrea Novakovic Amid Mixed Italian Reviews

Andrea Novakovic, the 29-year-old Serbian-American striker, has officially signed with Maccabi Haifa after spending seven years playing in Italy. His recent career in Serie B included stints at four clubs, where he left varied impressions among fans and media. Novakovic's last club was Reggiana in the 2025/26 season, where he scored five goals in 33 appearances but could not prevent the team's relegation to Serie C. Despite the team's poor performance, fans primarily blamed the club's management rather than Novakovic, who was seen as part of a generally weak attacking line. Critics noted his chronic finishing issues, highlighted by a crucial missed chance in a derby against Modena, yet he ended his tenure there with a winning goal against Sampdoria.

The previous season at Bari was tougher for Novakovic, where he scored only three goals and provided two assists in 28 appearances, often sidelined by injury and limited starts. Local media labeled him "the striker who never convinced," and the club chose not to exercise the purchase option after his loan. Contrastingly, Novakovic's best season came in 2023/24 with Lecce, despite the club's relegation. He netted six goals in 38 games and earned strong fan support for his relentless work ethic and physical style, playing as a lone striker in a defensive setup. Novakovic himself acknowledged feeling valued at Lecce, where he was a consistent starter.

His time at Venezia in 2022 was less impactful, scoring only once in 37 appearances before being loaned out and eventually sold to Reggiana. Fans and media viewed his tenure there as a failed transfer. Overall, Novakovic is characterized as a classic target man, tall and physically strong, excelling in aerial duels and hold-up play, with high work rate and stamina. However, his finishing remains a concern, with only 15 league goals in the last four seasons and involvement in two relegations. Maccabi Haifa coach Barak Bachar faces the challenge of boosting Novakovic's confidence and goal-scoring to maximize his potential in the Israeli Premier League. Regardless of scoring output, Novakovic is expected to bring hard work and determination to the team.