Raffaele Palladino’s biography, net worth, fact, career, awards and life story

Raffaele Palladino ([raffaˈɛːle pallaˈdiːno]; born 17 April 1984) is an Italian former professional footballer, and current technical assistant for the A.C. Monza youth sector.

A left-footed player, he predominantly played as a winger, although he could also play as a forward, or as a second striker. He has also represented the Italian national side. He was known in particular for his excellent technical ability and dribbling skills, as well as his pace and agility on the ball, which allowed him to beat opposing players and create space for himself to get into positions from which he can strike on goal.

Club career

The first team career of Palladino started in his native region of Campania where he played for Benevento in Serie C1. Including games played in Coppa Italia Serie C, his record at Benevento was 12 games played and 5 goals scored.

It was not long before he gained the attentions of Juventus and was signed by the club in 2002, during his earlier years with Juventus he played in reserve and youth levels in competitions such as Torneo di Viareggio (which the club won in 2003 and 2004). However, during the 2003–04 season, he did make one appearance in the Coppa Italia. He scored 41 goals in 61 games in the Campionato Nazionale Primavera.

Loan spells

To gain some first team experience, Palladino was loaned out to Salernitana back in Campania.

The first taste of Serie A football came in 2005–06 for the player, he was loaned out once more, this time to Livorno. Although he gained some valuable experience he did not score as many goals as he did during his spell with Salernitana the previous season.

Return to Juventus

Juventus had been relegated down to Serie B due to the result of the 2006 Serie A scandal. Despite the lower division, first team places were still hotly contested and the young Palladino was given a chance to prove himself in the first team by Didier Deschamps. On his league debut Palladino scored two goals. In the same season he also scored a hat-trick against Triestina. Juventus won promotion back into Serie A that season giving Palladino his first senior team honour.

Although he is mainly a striker, with the presence of Alessandro Del Piero, Vincenzo Iaquinta, and especially David Trezeguet, Palladino had a hard time finding a spot as a striker. He mainly played as an inverted left winger during the 2007–08 season, although he is predominately right footed.

Genoa

On 3 July 2008, Palladino was signed by Genoa in co-ownership deal, priced €5million (for 50% rights), joined along with defender Domenico Criscito on loan. In his first season at Genoa, Palladino score three goals and managed seven assists in 30 matches, including an 88th-minute winner over former club Juventus. The following season he managed four goals and two assists in 30 games. In the 2010–11 season, he made just 6 appearances in the first half of the season, struggling with two separate injuries, each keeping him out for over a month.

Parma

On 3 January 2011, Genoa’s half share in Palladino was transferred to Parma in a move which saw Parma’s half share in Alberto Paloschi go the other way and the exchange of the full registration of Francesco Modesto and Luca Antonelli. Genoa also paid a sum of €5.85M cash. Palladino’s contract will run until 30 June 2014. Palladino scored three goals in eleven appearances, but injured his knee in a game against Sampdoria and subsequently missed the rest of the season

In June 2011 Juventus gave up the remain 50% registration rights to Parma for free. As a result of his injury towards the end of last season, Palladino made his first appearance of the 2011–12 season in Round 15 against Cagliari. He then suffered another serious injury against Roma in Round 24 and again missed the rest of the season.

In the 2012–13 season, Palladino fell out of favour at Parma, struggling with form and fitness and made just eight appearances.

In July 2013 he extended his contract to 30 June 2016. In the 2013–14 season, Palladino was much more prevalent, making 27 appearances as Parma achieved an upper mid table finish in Serie A. However, Parma faced financial difficulties in 2014–15 season. On 22 June 2015 Palladino became a free agent after the formal bankruptcy of Parma.

Crotone

On 10 November 2015, he was signed by Crotone. He renewed his contract in July 2016.

Return to Genoa

On 31 January 2017, Palladino was re-signed by Genoa.

Monza

On 31 March 2019, Monza announced the signing of Palladino.

International career

After being a member of Italy’s 2003 Under-19 European Championship winning squad, Palladino went on to represent his country at Under-21 level, taking part at the 2006 and 2007 Under-21 European Championships, scoring a goal against Denmark in 2006; in total he made 15 appearances for the “azzurrini”, scoring 4 goals. He received his first call-up to the senior team on 17 November 2007, under the direction of manager Roberto Donadoni, for Italy’s European qualifier against Scotland, but did not play in the game. His debut came just a few days later, at the age of 23, in a 3–1 home win against the Faroe Islands, on 21 November 2007. Palladino played as one of the three strikers along with Luca Toni and Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Career statistics

International statistics

Honours

Club

Juventus Primavera

• Torneo di Viareggio: 2003, 2004

Juventus

• Serie B: 2006–07

International

Italy U-19

• Under-19 European Championship: 2003