Cristian Zaccardo

Cristian Zaccardo is a right back for AC Milan. He was born on 21 December 1981 in Formigine, Italy.

Zaccardo’s youth career started in 1991 at Bologna youth academy. The young defender studied there for 9 years, until becoming ready for pro football in 2000.

In 2000 Cristian signed for Bologna and substituted the club’s first team. Rossoblù sent Cristian on loan to Spezia for the 2000/01 season, where he rarely missed a match, totaling 28 appearances. After the loan spell expired Zaccardo returned to Bologna and was periodically included in the starting lineup during the following 3 seasons, totaling 79 matches and 2 goals.

In 2004 Cristian joined Palermo on a 4-year contract. During that time he established himself as a key right back with 142 appearances and 8 goals.

In 2008 the Italian defender moved to German VfL Wolfsburg, where he featured in 15 matches and scored 1 goal.

In 2009 Cristian continued his career at Parma. Since that same year Zaccardo established himself as a key defender and netted 9 goals in 103 appearances. In January 2013 Cristian moved to AC MIlan as a swap with Djamel Mesbah.

As part of Wolfsburg first team, Cristian became Bundesliga Champion in the 2008/09 season.

From 2002 to 2004 Cristian Zaccardo made 21 appearances and scored 2 goals for Italy U-21. From 2004 to 2007 Cristian was capped 17 times and scored 1 goal for Italy. Cristian Zaccardo is 2006 FIFA World Cup Champion.