The lowdown on: Florenzi

New Valencia CF loan signing Alessandro Florenzi (Vitinia, Rome,  1991), is known for his leadership, speed, endurance and competitive nature. The Italian started as a winder at Trigoria, and has also been employed as a central midfielder, but has become most know for his work as a right back in Italy. 

Florenzi has enjoyed a long career at AS Roma, where he captained the youth team and made his way up through the ranks at the club. His debut for the first team came in 2011 as a substitute, replacing Francesco Totti, and his maiden appearance as first team captain arrived in the Rome derby against SS Lazio. The only other side for whom he has turned out since joining Roma at age 11 has been FC Crotone, where he played in Serie B and was named the Best Young Player in the division, scoring 11 goals.

Considered to be one of the top defensive talents of his generation, he has also represented his country at various levels. With the Under-21s he reached the final of the European Championships in Israel, and has played 35 times for the senior squad; for Italy he made his debut under Cesare Prandelli, aged 21, and became an important part of Antonio Conte’s side in Euro 2016 in France, playing in three different positions and starting every game during the tournament before elimination in the quarter finals.

A goal from the halfway line against FC Barcelona in the 2015/16 Champions League gave him additional fame, and was voted the best goal of the Group Stages. It also received a nomination for the Puskas Award that year.

Florenzi has played over 30 games in the Champions League, and arrives at Valencia CF for his first experience outside Italy.