Ciro Immobile

Sorrento and Juventus

Born in Torre Annunziata, in the province of Naples, Immobile began his youth career in the football school "Torre Annunziata '88", before transferring to "Maria Rosa" and finally the youth team of Salernitana, where however, he failed to emerge. He later joined Sorrento, with whom he scored 30 goals in the under-17 during the 2007–08 season, including a brace against Torino, impressing the observers of Juventus. In 2008, he was signed at the age of 18 for €80,000 (equivalent to €107,843 in 2023) by Juventus under the recommendation of Ciro Ferrara. He went on to play with the Primavera formation.

Immobile joined the Primavera squad in 2009, where he formed a striking partnership with Ayub Daud, that led the squad to win the 2009 Torneo di Viareggio, where he scored a total five goals; two of which came in the final. On 14 March 2009, Immobile made his Serie A debut in a 4–1 home win against Bologna, replacing Juventus' captain Alessandro Del Piero in the 89th minute. On 25 November 2009, Immobile also made his debut in a European competition, once again as a second-half substitute for Del Piero in a Champions League game against Bordeaux. In February 2010, he scored a hat-trick against Empoli in the 2010 Torneo di Viareggio final to seal the title for a second consecutive season.

Loans to Siena and Grosseto

On 1 July 2010, Immobile, along with teammate Luca Marrone, were sent on loan to recently relegated Serie B side A.C. Siena.…

Early senior career

On 2 March 2014, Immobile received his first call-up to the senior national team by Cesare Prandelli, for a friendly match against Spain three days later. He debuted as a substitute for Alessio Cerci after 69 minutes as Spain eventually won 1–0. On 13 May 2014, Immobile was named in Italy's provisional 30-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and on 1 June he was named in the final 23-man squad. On 8 June, he scored a hat-trick in Italy's final World Cup warm-up match, a 5–3 unofficial win over Brazilian club side Fluminense. Immobile made his competitive debut in Italy's opening 2–1 victory over England in Manaus on 14 June, playing the last 17 minutes in place of Mario Balotelli who scored the Italian winner. He scored his first official international goal in the third minute of a 2–0 friendly victory against the Netherlands on 4 September 2014. On 31 May 2016, Immobile was named to Antonio Conte's 23-man Italy squad for UEFA Euro 2016. He only played in the group stage, coming off the bench vs Belgium and starting against the Republic of Ireland as Italy would go onto lose to Germany in the quarterfinals.

Later career

In June 2021, Immobile was included in Italy's squad for UEFA Euro 2020 by manager Roberto Mancini. In the opening match of the tournament on 11 June, he scored Italy's second goal and assisted Insigne for his team's final goal in a 3–0 win over Turkey. In the following group match on 16 June, Immobile scored Italy's…

Although primarily a main striker, Immobile was capable of playing anywhere along the front-line. A quick forward, Immobile was primarily known for his offensive movement off the ball, as well as his ability to make attacking runs and exploit spaces. He would often drift wide, from a central position, when making forward runs, allowing him to ghost in behind the defensive line where he could cut in to shoot, usually into the far post. His main characteristics were his eye for goal and finishing ability with either foot, as well as his physical attributes; he also possessed solid technique, and was effective in the air. In addition to his offensive capabilities and goalscoring ability, Immobile was also a hard-working player, known for his willingness to chase down the ball and press opponents when not in possession; he also possessed good link-up play, which enabled him to provide assists for teammates, in addition to scoring goals himself. He was also an accurate penalty taker. One of the most prolific strikers of his generation, his goalscoring record and efficiency earned him the nickname "King Ciro" with the Lazio supporters.

In May 2014, Immobile and his long-time girlfriend Jessica Melena married. They have four children. Immobile is a big fan of Formula One and participated in the third stage of the "Race For The World" broadcast on Sky and organized by Charles Leclerc to raise funds for the fight against COVID-19. On 16 April 2023, Immobile, accompanied by his two daughters, suffered a spinal cord sprain and a fractured rib following a collision of his car with a tram near Stadio Olimpico in Rome.