Name: Manolo Gabbiadini
Club: Sampdoria
Nationality: Italian
Position: Striker
Who is he?
A product of Atalanta’s renowned youth academy, Gabbiadini made his Serie A debut towards the end of the 2009/10 season aged 18.
To gain experience, the young target man was shipped out on loan to Serie B side AS Cittadella, where he made 27 league appearances with a yield of five goals and four assists.
With a solid loan experience under his belt, he was reintegrated into Atalanta’s first team. However, it was a frustrating campaign as he made one start from a full 90 minutes on one occasion as he ended up with just the two goals in all competitions.
Despite this Serie A giants Juventus swooped to secure 50 per cent of his economic rights last summer – one of Italy’s many co-ownership deals. Atalanta kept the other 50 per cent.
Gabbiadini was immediately loaned out to Bologna as he found the net six times in 30 Serie A appearances. That meant he was on the field twice as much as the previous season.
This summer, Juventus acquired his full registration from Atalanta but Sampdoria were given 50 per cent of his rights. He will represent the Genoese club this coming season.
Achievements
While Gabbiadini grows as a club player, he has experienced more recognition at international level. A member of Italy’s U21 squad at the European Championships in Israel, he scored twice in five games, although he made just one start.
Overall he has netted 12 times in 21 games for the U21s.
But more importantly, his talent has been recognised by Italy senior manager Cesare Prandelli who called him up for last August’s friendly with England. Gabbiadini was given 32 minutes on the field.
Attributes
At 1m86 and blessed with a powerful physique and athleticism (as you can see below where he shows strength before finishing well), Gabbiadini is strong in the air. Nominally a centre forward, he has often been deployed in wider positions, particularly on the left. However last season, he failed to score when starting on the left for Bologna, except for one occasion. Four of his Serie A goals came when he was deployed in the centre.
He is also a threat on the ground thanks to his good ball control and powerful left peg, while his technical ability, short passing and movement is also improving steadily.
Potential
The 21-year-old has not been particularly prolific so far in his career, but the talent is evidenced by the fact that clubs like Manchester United and Milan showed an interest before Juventus stepped in.
He will hope to eventually return to Juventus and fight for a first team place, but that will require a promising stint with Sampdoria this season. He will also hope to get his chance in a central role.
