 He then earned a move to promotion chasing Serie C1 side Alzano Virescit, where he made 15 appearances before being loaned to Avellino in January 2001.With the "biancoverdi", he played 10 matches scoring three goals before returning at Alzano.After 15 league matches played for Alzano in the first half of the 2001–02 season, he was signed by Serie C2 side Mantova in January 2002 

The 2002–03 season proved to be a turning point for the 22-year-old Caridi.