Profile

Drafted into Italy's squad as a late replacement for injured captain Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Gamberini will have his work cut out to fill the No5 shirt of the Azzurri's 2006 FIFA World Cup hero. With just two international caps, the 26-year-old central defender is inexperienced at international level but enjoyed an excellent 2007/08 season with ACF Fiorentina.

Started out with hometown club Bologna FC, making his Serie A debut on 9 January 2000 in a 3-1 defeat by S.S. Lazio.

Was farmed out on a season-long loan to Hellas-Verona FC in Serie B in 2002/03.

Rejoined Bologna but unable to prevent club's relegation in 2005; left for Fiorentina.

Three seasons in Florence have brought steady progress, peaking in 2007/08 as he helped Viola finish fourth in Serie A and reach semi-finals of UEFA Cup; played total of 40 games in the two competitions.

Made national team debut on 17 October 2007 in friendly against South Africa in Siena (2-0).

Did you know?

Gamberini failed to register a single goal in his first seven seasons, but when he finally broke his duck – in Fiorentina's 5-1 win v Torino FC on 4  March 2007 – he scored not once, but twice.