Alessandro Diamanti

Alessandro Diamanti

Diamanti with Italy
Personal information
Date of birth (1983-05-02) 2 May 1983
Place of birth Prato, Italy
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Playing position Attacking midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Palermo
Number 23
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2007 Prato 72 (23)
2000–2001 → Empoli (loan) 0 (0)
2001–2002 → Fucecchio (loan) 24 (3)
2002–2003 → Fiorentina (loan) 3 (0)
2004–2006 → AlbinoLeffe (loan) 26 (0)
2007–2009 Livorno 63 (24)
2009–2010 West Ham United 28 (7)
2010–2011 Brescia 32 (6)
2011–2014 Bologna 83 (19)
2014–2016 Guangzhou Evergrande 24 (4)
2015 → Fiorentina (loan) 11 (2)
2015–2016 → Watford (loan) 3 (0)
2016 → Atalanta (loan) 16 (1)
2016– Palermo 4 (0)
National team‡
2010–2013 Italy 17 (1)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20 March 2016.

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 04:18, 19 November 2013 (UTC)

Alessandro Diamanti (born 2 May 1983) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Palermo. At club level, he has previously played for Prato, Empoli, Fucecchio, Florentia, AlbinoLeffe, Livorno, West Ham United, Brescia, Bologna, Fiorentina, Watford and Guangzhou Evergrande.

At international level, he represented Italy at Euro 2012, winning a runners-up medal, and at the 2013 Confederations Cup, winning a bronze medal.

Club career

Prato

Diamanti spent his early career with Prato, Empoli, Florentia and AlbinoLeffe.

Livorno

Having scored 15 goals in 31 outings during season 2006–07 he signed for Serie A side Livorno.[2] Diamanti made 14 starts and 12 substitute appearances in his first season with the Tuscany side.[3] He stayed with Livorno when they were relegated to Serie B due to finishing last in 2007–2008.

On 23 August 2009, Diamanti played in Livorno's opening day fixture in Serie A, a 0–0 home draw against Cagliari.[4]

Diamanti at West Ham

West Ham United

The following week, however, he signed a five-year deal with Premier League club West Ham United for an undisclosed fee.[5] and made his debut in the Hammers' 1–0 defeat away to Wigan Athletic on 12 September. In the process, Diamanti became the 800th player in West Ham United's history.[6] He scored his first West Ham goal from the penalty spot, albeit controversially as he fell over on run up and kicked the ball with both feet, on his home debut against Liverpool on 19 September 2009.[7] Diamanti scored eight goals, though only three came from open play with most coming from penalty kicks. On 4 May 2010 he was voted runner-up as Hammer of the Year by the club's supporters, for the 2009–10 season, behind winner Scott Parker.[8]

Brescia

On 24 August 2010, Serie A club Brescia bought Diamanti for €2.2 million from West Ham with an additional €300,000 to be paid if Brescia secured their Serie A status from the coming campaign.[9] Brescia also announced in its financial report that Diamanti had cost €3.85 million.[10]

Alessandro was unveiled at Brescia on 25 August 2010, and chose to continue wearing the number 32 shirt;[11] due to his popularity, ability, and playing style, comparisons were drawn between Diamanti and former club icon Roberto Baggio, which Diamanti played down, however.[12] In his debut season at Brescia, Diamanti scored 6 Serie A goals, only behind Andrea Caracciolo as top scorer of the season for the club. His sixth goal came in a 2–1 loss against Catania which confirmed Brescia's relegation to the Serie B, just one season after promotion to the Italian topflight.[13]

In July 2011, West Ham called for Diamanti's registration at Brescia to be suspended by the Italian Football Federation claiming the latest instalment of his €2.2m transfer fee from Brescia had not yet been paid.[14][15]

Bologna

On 1 August 2011, Diamanti was signed by Serie A side Bologna in a co-ownership deal with Brescia, for €1.5 million.[16][17][18] Diamanti's first goal for the club came in a 3–1 home defeat to Internazionale, in Claudio Ranieri's first game in charge of the Milan-based club, on 24 September.[19] On 11 December, Bologna played host to Inter's cross–city rivals A.C. Milan; Diamanti played inspired football and provided an assist for Marco Di Vaio's opening goal and then netted a 73rd-minute goal to earn his side a 2–2 draw.[20]

Diamanti scored the winning goal of a 3–1 away victory over Lazio on 11 March 2012 with a thirty-yard strike over out of position goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.[21] On 12 April, Diamanti scored an incredible free-kick against Cagliari to move his side up to 40 points and six points clear of the relegation zone.[22]

On 16 September 2012, Diamanti scored in between strikes from Alberto Gilardino to help Bologna to a 3–2 comeback victory over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.[23] Diamanti put the finishing touches on a comfortable 3–0 defeat of Palermo on 18 November, netting from the penalty spot in the 48th minute.[24]

On 2 December, Diamanti netted from a free-kick as Bologna earned a hard fought 2–1 victory over Atalanta, courtesy of a second-half goal from teammate Manolo Gabbiadini.[25] Two weeks later, on 16 December, Diamanti proved instrumental in Bologna's surprise 3–2 defeat of high-flying Napoli, providing the free-kick from which Daniele Portanova headed in a minute from time to secure the victory.[26]

Guangzhou Evergrande

On 7 February 2014, Bologna and Guangzhou Evergrande officially announced an agreement over transferring Diamanti to Guangzhou Evergrande with a transfer fee of €6.9 million.[27] He made his debut appearance for Guangzhou in a 4–2 win over Melbourne Victory on 26 February 2014 in the first group match of the 2014 Asian Champions League. He scored twice to change the course of the match after Guangzhou lagged 2–0 in the first half.[28] He made his CSL debut at the CSL's opening match at Tianhe Stadium on 8 March 2014. He did not score a goal, and he was substituted in the 67th-minute.

Fiorentina (loan)

On 10 January 2015, Diamanti moved to Fiorentina on loan from Guangzhou Evergrande.[29] He scored his first goal for the club on 8 February in a 3–2 win over Atalanta.[30]

Watford (loan)

On 17 August 2015, Diamanti signed for Premier League team Watford, on loan from Guangzhou Evergrande, subject to international clearance.[31][32]

Atalanta (loan)

On 13 January 2016, Diamanti signed a season-long loan with Atalanta.[33] He scored his first goal for the club on 20 March in a 2–0 win over Bologna.[34]

Palermo

On 29 August 2016, free agent Diamanti joined Palermo on a two-year deal.[35]

International career

Diamanti (centre/blue) playing in the Euro 2012 quarter final with Ashley Cole (left) and Steven Gerrard (right) of England

He made his debut with the Italian national team on 17 November 2010, for manager Cesare Prandelli, in a friendly match against Romania.[36] He played only the first half of his debut game before being substituted.[37] In May 2012 he was named in the provisional, 32-man Italian squad for Euro 2012[38] and came on as a substitute in the final group match against Ireland on 18 June 2012, setting up Mario Balotelli's goal from a corner as Italy won the match 2–0 to advance to the quarter-finals.[39] In the quarter-final against England on 24 June 2012, Diamanti came on in the second half for Antonio Cassano and scored the winning penalty to give Italy a 4–2 penalty shoot-out win.[40]

Diamanti was selected for Italy's squad at the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.[41] He scored one goal at the tournament, in the bronze medal game against Uruguay, his first international goal, and was also involved in Davide Astori's opening goal, as Italy went on to win the match 3–2 on penalties following a 2–2 deadlock after extra time.[42]

International goals

Scores and results lists Italy's goals first[43]
No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 30 June 2013 Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil  Uruguay 2–1 2–2 (3–2 p) 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup

Style of play

Nicknamed "Alino",[44] Diamanti is a dynamic, creative, and technically gifted left-footed playmaker, who usually plays as an attacking midfielder; he has also been deployed as a winger or as a supporting striker on occasion, due to his ability to both create chances for team-mates, and score goals with his accurate striking ability from outside the area. He is predominantly known for his vision, passing, crossing, control, dribbling ability, and his accuracy on penalties, as well as his curling set-pieces.[45]

Personal life

His wife, Silvia Hsieh, is Taiwanese.[46] They married on 6 July 2008.[47] On 18 December 2008, Silvia gave birth to their daughter, Aileen.[48] On 14 July 2010, Silvia gave birth to a second girl, named Olivia.[49] On 8 March 2013, their third child, this time a boy whom they named Taddeo was born.[50]

Honours

Club

Livorno[51]
Guangzhou Evergrande[51]

International

Italy[51]

References

  1. ↑ The information is taken from Italy EURO 2012 page.
  2. ↑ "Nuovo acquisto per l´A.S. Livorno Calcio" (in Italian). AS Livorno Calcio. 9 July 2007. Archived from the original on 24 April 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
  3. ↑ "Gazzetta.it". Gazzetta.it. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
  4. ↑ "Livorno vs. Cagliari". www.soccerway.com. 28 August 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-29.
  5. ↑ "West Ham confirm Diamanti signing". BBC Sport. 28 August 2009. Archived from the original on 28 August 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-29.
  6. ↑ "Latics take the spoils". West Ham United F.C. 12 September 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-13.
  7. ↑ "West Ham 2–3 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 19 September 2009. Retrieved 19 September 2009.
  8. ↑ "A quartet of happy Hammers". 5 May 2010. Archived from the original on 7 May 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
  9. ↑ "Diamanti departs". West Ham United FC. 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 27 August 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
  10. ↑ Brescia Calcio Report and Accounts on 30 June 2011 (Italian)
  11. ↑ "Diamanti was introduced". Brescia Calcio. 25 August 2010. Archived from the original on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 27 August 2010. (italian)
  12. ↑ "Brescia, ecco Diamanti: «Ma non sono Baggio»" (in Italian). Il Corriere dello Sport. 25 August 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  13. ↑ "Report: Brescia v Catania – Italian Serie A – ESPN Soccernet". Soccernet.espn.go.com. 8 May 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  14. ↑ "BBC Sport – Football – West Ham United demand Alessandro Diamanti suspension". BBC News. 8 July 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  15. ↑ Statement on Brescia Calcio
  16. ↑ Bologna FC 1909 Report and Accounts on 30 June 2011 (Italian)
  17. ↑ "Ufficiale: Diamanti ceduto al Bologna". Brescia Calcio. 1 August 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011. (italian)
  18. ↑ "Diamanti joins Bologna". FIFA.com. 1 August 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  19. ↑ http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=327158&cc=5901
  20. ↑ http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=327055&cc=5901
  21. ↑ http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=326935&cc=5901
  22. ↑ http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=326887&cc=5901
  23. ↑ "AS Roma 2–3 Bologna". ESPNFC. 16 September 2012.
  24. ↑ "Bologna 3–0 Palermo". ESPNC. 18 November 2012.
  25. ↑ "Bologna 2–1 Atalanta". ESPNFC. 2 December 2012.
  26. ↑ "Napoli 2–3 Bologna". ESPNFC. 16 December 2012.
  27. ↑ "恒大官方宣布迪亚曼蒂加盟". sohu.com. 7 February 2014.
  28. ↑ "Melbourne Victory throws away two-goal lead in 4–2 ACL loss to Guangzhou Evergrande". Fox Sports. 27 February 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
  29. ↑ http://en.violachannel.tv/breaking-detail/items/diamanti-joins-fiorentina.html
  30. ↑ Fiorentina-Atalanta 3-2: Diamanti-gol ma decide Pasqual all'89' gazzetta.it
  31. ↑ "OFFICIAL: Diamanti Transfer Completed". Watford FC. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  32. ↑ "Alessandro Diamanti: Watford sign ex-Italy and West Ham midfielder". BBC Sport. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  33. ↑ "Official: Atalanta loan Diamanti". Football Italia. 13 January 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  34. ↑ Atalanta-Bologna, Gomez e Diamanti decidono il match gazzetta.it
  35. ↑ "Official: Palermo sign Diamanti". Football Italia. 29 August 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  36. ↑ "Prandelli picks Ledesma and Diamanti in Italy squad to face Romania". footballitaliano.co.uk. 15 November 2010. Archived from the original on 24 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-11-15.
  37. ↑ "Mario Balotelli suffers racist abuse from Italy and Romania fans". London: The Guardian.co.uk. 17 November 2010. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
  38. ↑ "Mario Balotelli in Italy's provisional squad for Euro 2012". London: BBC Sport.com. 13 May 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  39. ↑ "Italy 2–0 Ireland". BBC Sport.com. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  40. ↑ "England 0 – 0 Italy (FT 90 +42) – Italy win 4–2 on penalties". London: BBC Sport.com. 24 June 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2012.
  41. ↑ "Barzagli in as Prandelli names Confeds squad". Retrieved 27 February 2014.
  42. ↑ "Uruguay 2–2 Italy". BBC Sport.com. 30 June 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  43. ↑ "Diamanti, Alessandro" (in Italian). FIGC. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  44. ↑ "Alessandro Diamanti: "Ci vediamo dopo la sosta"" (in Italian). Bologna FC 1909. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  45. ↑ "Quello che fa i tiri mancini" (in Italian). Il Tirreno. 5 June 2009. Retrieved 14 October 2014.
  46. ↑ "Alessandro Diamanti". www.daylife.com. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
  47. ↑ Diamanti-Hsieh sposi ricerca.quotidianiespresso.it
  48. ↑ Diamanti papà, è il suo gol più bello ricerca.quotidianiespresso.it
  49. ↑ "È nata anche Olivia, la mia seconda figlia" ricerca.quotidianiespresso.it
  50. ↑ Benvenuto Taddeo bolognafc.it
  51. 1 2 3 "A. Diamanti". Soccerway. Retrieved 21 December 2015.

External links

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