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Alessandro Diamanti

Alessandro Diamanti (Italian pronunciation: [alesˈsandro djaˈmanti, – di.a-];[2][3] born 2 May 1983) is an Italian professional football manager and former midfielder who is currently the manager for Melbourne City F.C. Youth. In a professional career spanning 24 years, he has played for Prato, Empoli, Fucecchio, Fiorentina, AlbinoLeffe, West Ham United, Brescia, Bologna, Guangzhou Evergrande, Watford, Atalanta, Palermo, Perugia, Livorno, and Western United.

Alessandro Diamanti
Diamanti with Italy in 2012
Personal information
Full name Alessandro Diamanti[1]
Date of birth (1983-05-02) 2 May 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth Prato, Italy
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s) Attacking midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2004 Prato 23 (4)
2000–2001 → Empoli (loan) 0 (0)
2001–2002 → Fucecchio (loan) 24 (3)
2003 → Fiorentina (loan) 3 (0)
2004–2006 AlbinoLeffe 26 (0)
2006 → Prato (loan) 11 (4)
2006–2007 Prato 25 (10)
2007–2009 Livorno 59 (17)
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)
2016–2017 Palermo 31 (1)
2018 Perugia 13 (2)
2018–2019 Livorno 32 (10)
2019–2023 Western United 82 (11)
Total 526 (101)
International career
2010–2013 Italy 17 (1)
Managerial career
2023– Melbourne City FC Youth
Medal record
Men's Football
Representing  Italy
UEFA European Championship
Runner-up 2012 Poland–Ukraine
FIFA Confederations Cup
Third place 2013 Brazil
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

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

Diamanti then took up his first coaching position where he remains today, as senior academy manager at Australian club Melbourne City, leading the NPL2 team and assisting the first team coaching staff as required.[4]

Club career

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Prato

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

Livorno

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Having scored 15 goals in 31 outings during the 2006–07 season, Diamanti signed for Serie A side Livorno.[5] He made 14 starts and 12 substitute appearances in his first season with the Tuscany side.[6] He stayed with Livorno when they were relegated to Serie B due to finishing last in the 2007–08 Serie A.

On 23 August 2009, Diamanti played in Livorno's opening day fixture in Serie A, a 0–0 home draw against Cagliari.[7]

 
Diamanti at West Ham

West Ham United

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The following week, however, Diamanti signed a five-year deal with Premier League club West Ham United for an undisclosed fee.[8] He 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.[9] 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.[10] 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.[11]

Brescia

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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 for the coming campaign.[12] Brescia also announced in its financial report that Diamanti had cost the club €3.85 million.[13]

Alessandro was unveiled at Brescia on 25 August 2010 and chose to continue wearing the number 32 shirt.[14] Due to his popularity, ability and playing style, comparisons were drawn between Diamanti and former club icon Roberto Baggio, which Diamanti played down, however.[15] In his debut season at Brescia, Diamanti scored six Serie A goals, behind only Andrea Caracciolo as the club's top scorer for the domestic season. Diamanti's sixth goal came in a 2–1 loss against Catania which confirmed Brescia's relegation to Serie B, just one season after promotion to the top-flight.[16]

In July 2011, West Ham called for Diamanti's registration at Brescia to be suspended by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) claiming the latest instalment of his €2.2 million transfer fee from Brescia had not yet been paid.[17][18]

Bologna

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On 1 August 2011, Diamanti was signed by Serie A side Bologna in a co-ownership deal with Brescia, for €1.5 million.[19][20][21] Diamanti's first goal for the club came in a 3–1 home defeat to Internazionale on 24 September.[22] On 11 December, Bologna played host to Inter's cross–city rivals 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.[23]

Diamanti scored the winning goal of a 3–1 away victory over Lazio on 11 March 2012 with a 30-yard strike over out-of-position goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.[24] 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.[25]

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.[26] 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.[27]

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.[28] 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.[29]

During the 2012–13 Serie A season, Diamanti was the most fouled player in Serie A, having been fouled 147 times.[30]

Guangzhou Evergrande

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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.[31] 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.[32] 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 was substituted off the pitch in the 67th minute.

Fiorentina (loan)

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On 10 January 2015, Diamanti moved to Fiorentina on loan from Guangzhou Evergrande.[33] He scored his first goal for the club on 8 February in a 3–2 win over Atalanta.[34]

Watford (loan)

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On 17 August 2015, Diamanti signed for English Premier League club Watford, on loan from Guangzhou Evergrande, subject to international clearance.[35][36]

Atalanta (loan)

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On 13 January 2016, Diamanti signed a season-long loan with Atalanta.[37] He scored his first goal for the club on 20 March in a 2–0 win over former club Bologna.[38]

Palermo

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On 29 August 2016, free agent Diamanti joined Palermo on a two-year deal.[39] After the club's relegation at the end of the 2016–17 Serie A season, however, he cancelled his contract with the club on 31 August 2017.[40]

Western United

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On 24 July 2019, Diamanti joined new A-League club Western United on a one-year marquee deal.[41][42] Diamanti was also named as the club's inaugural captain ahead of the 2019–20 A-League season.[43] At the end of the season, he won the Johnny Warren Medal as the best player of the year.[44]

On 24 April 2023, Diamanti officially announced his retirement from professional football via an Instagram post, as he was set to play his last game for Western United on 29 April, in the final match of the league's regular season against Perth Glory.[45][46] He left the club to become a coach at crosstown rivals Melbourne City.[4]

International career

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Diamanti (in blue) at the Euro 2012 quarter-final, in action with Ashley Cole (left) and Steven Gerrard (right) of England.

Diamanti made his debut with the Italy national team on 17 November 2010, for manager Cesare Prandelli, in a friendly match against Romania.[47] He played only the first half of his debut game before being substituted.[48] In May 2012, he was named in the provisional, 32-man Italian squad for UEFA Euro 2012[49] and came on as a substitute in the final group match against the Republic of 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.[50] 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.[51]

Diamanti was selected for Italy's squad at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.[52] He scored one goal at the tournament, from a free kick in the bronze medal game against Uruguay, his first international goal; he was also involved in Davide Astori's opening goal, as the latter scored off the rebound after Diamanti's free kick had hit the crossbar. Italy went on to win the match 3–2 on penalties following a 2–2 deadlock after extra time.[53][54]

Style of play

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Nicknamed "Alino",[55] Diamanti was a dynamic, creative and technically gifted left-footed playmaker, who usually played as an attacking midfielder; he had also been deployed as a winger or as a supporting striker on occasion, due to his ability to both create chances for teammates, and score goals with his accurate striking ability from outside the area, despite his lack of pace. He was predominantly known for his vision, passing, crossing, control, and dribbling ability, as well as his accuracy from penalties; he was also a set-piece specialist, known for his delivery from dead ball situations, as well as his precise curling direct free kicks, and has scored directly from corner kicks throughout his career.[56][57][58][59][60] In addition to his flair and playing ability, he is also known for his charismatic personality, tenacity, and leadership on the pitch;[61] moreover, he is a player who wins a lot of fouls for his team.[30]

Personal life

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Diamanti's wife, Silvia Hsieh, is Taiwanese.[62] They married on 6 July 2008.[63] On 18 December 2008, Silvia gave birth to their daughter, Aileen.[64] On 17 July 2010, Silvia gave birth to a second girl, named Olivia.[65] On 8 March 2013, the couple's third child, a boy named Taddeo, was born.[66]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of 29 April 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Prato 1999–2000 Serie C2 1 0 0 0 — — — 1 0
2001–02 Serie C2 0 0 1 0 — — — 1 0
2002–03 Serie C1 2 0 3 0 — — — 5 0
2003–04 Serie C1 20 4 3 0 — — 2 0 25 4
Total 23 4 7 0 — — 2 0 32 4
Empoli (loan) 2000–01 Serie B 0 0 0 0 — — — 0 0
Fucecchio (loan) 2001–02 Serie D 24 3 0 0 — — — 24 3
Fiorentina (loan) 2002–03 Serie C2 3 0 0 0 — — — 3 0
AlbinoLeffe 2004–05 Serie B 18 0 1 0 — — — 19 0
2005–06 Serie B 8 0 0 0 — — — 8 0
Total 26 0 1 0 — — — 27 0
Prato (loan) 2005–06 Serie C2 11 4 0 0 — — 2[c] 1 13 5
Prato 2006–07 Serie C2 25 10 6 5 — — — 31 15
Livorno 2007–08 Serie A 26 4 1 0 — — — 27 4
2008–09 Serie B 32 13 3 4 — — 4[d] 3 39 20
2009–10 Serie A 1 0 0 0 — — — 1 0
Total 59 17 4 4 — — 4 3 67 24
West Ham United 2009–10 Premier League 27 7 1 1 1 0 — — 29 8
2010–11 Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 — — 1 0
Total 28 7 1 1 1 0 — — 30 8
Brescia 2010–11 Serie A 32 6 1 1 — — — 33 7
Bologna 2011–12 Serie A 30 7 2 1 — — — 32 8
2012–13 Serie A 34 7 2 1 — — — 36 8
2013–14 Serie A 19 5 1 1 — — — 20 6
Total 83 19 5 3 — — — 88 22
Guangzhou 2014 Super League 24 4 2 0 — 9[e] 4 — 35 8
Fiorentina (loan) 2014–15 Serie A 11 2 4 0 — — — 15 2
Watford (loan) 2015–16 Premier League 3 0 0 0 0 0 — — 3 0
Atalanta (loan) 2015–16 Serie A 16 1 0 0 — — — 16 1
Palermo 2016–17 Serie A 31 1 1 0 — — — 32 1
Perugia 2017–18 Serie B 13 2 0 0 — — 1 0 14 2
Livorno 2018–19 Serie B 32 10 1 0 — — — 33 10
Western United 2019–20 A-League 27 8 0 0 — — — 27 8
2020–21 A-League 24 1 0 0 — — — 24 1
2021–22 A-League 10 0 1 0 — — — 11 0
2022–23 A-League 21 2 0 0 — — — 21 2
Total 82 11 1 0 — — — 83 11
Career total 526 101 34 14 1 0 9 4 9 4 579 123
  1. ^ Includes Coppa Italia, FA Cup, Chinese FA Cup, Australia Cup
  2. ^ Includes Football League Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in Serie C2 relegation play-offs
  4. ^ Appearances in Serie B promotion play-offs
  5. ^ Appearances in AFC Champions League

International

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Appearances and goals by national team and year[67]
National team Year Apps Goals
Italy 2010 1 0
2012 7 0
2013 9 1
Total 17 1
Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Diamanti goal.
List of international goals scored by Alessandro Diamanti[67]
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

Honours

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Fiorentina

Livorno[68]

Guangzhou Evergrande[68]

Western United

Italy[68]

Individual

References

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  2. ^ Luciano Canepari. "Alessandro". DiPI Online (in Italian). Retrieved 8 November 2018.
  3. ^ Luciano Canepari. "Diamanti". DiPI Online (in Italian). Retrieved 8 November 2018.
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  38. ^ Atalanta-Bologna, Gomez e Diamanti decidono il match gazzetta.it
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  40. ^ "RISOLUZIONE CONSENSUALE PER DIAMANTI" (in Italian). palermocalcio.it. 31 August 2017. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
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  42. ^ "Signing news: ex-Italian international Diamanti joins Western United FC". Hyundai A-League. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  43. ^ "Western United announces inaugural captain ahead of club's Hyundai A-League debut". Western United. 9 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  44. ^ "Western United's Alessandro Diamanti wins A-League's Johnny Warren Medal". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 10 September 2020.
  45. ^ Rotondaro, Vittorio (24 April 2023). "Diamanti lascia il calcio giocato: ritiro a quasi 40 anni". Goal (in Italian). Retrieved 24 April 2023.
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  55. ^ "Alessandro Diamanti: "Ci vediamo dopo la sosta"" (in Italian). Bologna FC 1909. Archived from the original on 6 September 2013. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  56. ^ Morrone, Jimmy (5 June 2009). "Quello che fa i tiri mancini". Il Tirreno (in Italian). Archived from the original on 16 January 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2014.
  57. ^ Voakes, Kris (25 June 2012). "The unorthodox rise of Diamanti, Italy's penalty hero". Goal.com. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  58. ^ Bernini, Alessandro (8 February 2009). "A Livorno diluvia: acqua e gol a catinelle". Il Tirreno (in Italian). Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  59. ^ Bernini, Alessandro (29 October 2008). "Livorno, due diamanti di Diamanti valgono il pareggio ad Ancona". Il Tirreno (in Italian). Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  60. ^ "Italian Star". The Sunday Times. 21 July 2019. p. 54.
  61. ^ "Diamanti, un nuovo leader per Montella" (in Italian). Viola News. 5 February 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  62. ^ "Alessandro Diamanti". www.daylife.com. Retrieved 27 June 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  63. ^ Diamanti-Hsieh sposi Archived 15 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine ricerca.quotidianiespresso.it
  64. ^ Diamanti papà, è il suo gol più bello Archived 2 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine ricerca.quotidianiespresso.it
  65. ^ "È nata anche Olivia, la mia seconda figlia" Archived 3 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine ricerca.quotidianiespresso.it
  66. ^ Benvenuto Taddeo bolognafc.it
  67. ^ a b "Diamanti, Alessandro" (in Italian). FIGC. 26 May 2023.
  68. ^ a b c "A. Diamanti". Soccerway. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  69. ^ Monteverde, Marco (25 April 2023). "Western United's Italian star Alessandro Diamanti to hang up his boots". news.com.au.
  70. ^ "PFA announce A-League team of the season". The World Game. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
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