Giampaolo Pazzini

Giampaolo Pazzini is a striker for AC Milan. He was born on 2 August 1984 in Pescia, Italy.

Giampaolo’s professional career started in 2003. After a couple of years with Atalanta B.C. youth team Pazzini was offered to join the senior squad. During his debut 2003/04 season the young striker was periodically included in the starting lineup to earn more experience. During the 2004/05 season Giampaolo was a regular and appeared in practically every match of his club. From 2003 to 2005 the young striker played 51 games and netted 12 goals for La Dea.

In 2005 Pazzini received an offer from Serie A Fiorentina. Giampaolo seized the opportunity and in 2005 his career entered a completely new level. He signed a 4-year contract with Fiorentina as the new club paid Atalanta €6 million for the transfer. At the very beginning of 2005/06 season at the Gigliati Giampaolo was made a regular and periodically scored goals. From 2005 to 2009 Pazzini made 108 appearances and netted 25 goals for Fiorentina.

In 2009 Sampdoria purchased Giampaolo for €9 million from Fiorentina. During 2 seasons at the Blucerchiati Pazzini became one of the key strikers with 36 goals in 75 appearances. His bright performance at Sampdoria attracted the attention of Inter as the Milan club was ready to pay big money for such a talented striker’s contract.

In January 2011, during the winter transfer window, Giampaolo signed for Internazionale. The transfer fee amounted to €19 million. In 2012 the San Siro giants swapped forwards and Giampaolo moved to AC Milan with Antonio Cassano going the other way.

From 2004 to 2007 Pazzini represented Italy U-21 with 22 caps and 5 goals. Since 2009 Giampaolo has been capped 24 times and netted 4 goals for Italy.