Profile

Marco Borriello's career burst into life during the 2007/08 season as the 25-year-old left-footed striker hit a rich seam of goalscoring form for Genoa CFC that took most Serie A-watchers by surprise, not least the followers of AC Milan, the club that groomed him but where he had never been able to impose himself. He made his debut for Italy in February.

Sign of things to come early on at Milan; loaned to lower-division US Triestina Calcio and Treviso FC before making a Serie A appearance for the Rossoneri.

Further loan spells over next few seasons at Serie A clubs Empoli FC, Reggina Calcio, UC Sampdoria and Treviso (again) yielded little progress.

Remained at Milan for whole of 2006/07 season; made first Serie A starts for club (four) and scored first goal (in 2-2 draw at Cagliari).

Co-ownership deal with Genoa; scored consistently all season except last five games when he failed to add to 19-goal total and fell behind Juventus pair Alessandro Del Piero (21 strikes) and David Trezeguet (20) in top goalscorer listings.

Scored two hat-tricks in 2007/08 – both against Udinese Calcio.

Did you know?

Borriello appeared in four UEFA Champions League matches for Milan and was on the losing side every time.