Paolo really isn't a sensible replacement for Eki. They need someone who can ride stronger on flat to rolling and in the time trials. Salvodelli will be there to help the Discovery Train to tempo everyone off of the back in the mountains like they did last year. Imagine it, Chechu, Azevedo, Salvodelli. . . yikes.
To be honest, you can't replace that guy. That's why they got Hoste, but he's injured now and his ability race in the Tour is in question. Bad luck all around.