Marco Parolo

Club

International

Parolo received his first national team call-up on 20 March 2011, for a friendly match and UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying. The technical director of Cesena, Lorenzo Minotti, hinted Parolo would receive a call-up on 15 March in an interview by il Resto del Carlino. He was subsequently selected by Cesare Prandelli as part of his 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and made his debut in the competition playing as a substitute in the first game against England. On 31 May 2016, he was named in Antonio Conte's 23-man Italy squad for UEFA Euro 2016.

Youth

Parolo played for A.S.C.D. Torino Club of Gallarate from 1996 to 1998 and G.S. Soccer Boys of Turbigo from 1998 to 2001, which the clubs received €18,000 (reduced from €36,000 by appeal) and €53,484.54 (increased from €50,902.26 by appeal) respectively from Cesena after Parolo made his Serie A debut in 2010, a solidarity contribution system to youth and amateur clubs. Parolo finished as the losing quarter-finalists in 2003 Primavera Reserve League for Calcio Como. He made 2 appearances in the playoffs round, as the substitutes of Greco and Caremi respectively. In 2004 Como reserve was eliminated by Inter reserve in the round of 16 of the playoffs round, in 6–0 aggregate loss. Parolo was in the starting XI in the two matches.

Como

Parolo made his professional debut at Como as a front-lying midfielder in a 4–4–1–1 formation on 19 September 2004, which he scored an own goal. Despite the own goal, La Gazzetta dello Sport gave a score of 6.5/10 to his debut, the 3rd highest score among his teammate. He remained with the club in the whole 2004–05 Serie C1 despite they were declared bankrupt in December 2004. Parolo was in the starting XI in Como's relegation "play-out", which the playoffs matches Como losing to Novara 2–1 on aggregate. Como folded at the end season as a takeover bid was denied.

Chievo

On 30 August 2005, Parolo was signed by Chievo but was immediately sent to Serie C1 club Pistoiese in a co-ownership deal, worth €10,000. Parolo…

An offensive-minded player, Parolo usually played as a mezzala, and was known for his tendency to make attacking runs from midfield, and also possessed a keen eye for goal due to his powerful, accurate shooting ability from distance, with either foot, and his strength in the air. A physical, reliable, and hard-working central, defensive, or box-to-box midfielder, he was also known for his stamina, positional sense, defensive qualities, and ability to break down opposing attacks, as well as his solid technique and distribution, while his efficient and intelligent passing game allowed him to start attacking plays after winning back possession. He was also deployed in other positions on occasion, including as a right–sided winger or makeshift wing-back in a 3–5–2 formation, or even as a central defender in a three–man back–line. Former fellow Italy, Parma, and Lazio midfielder Dino Baggio praised Parolo in 2013, and drew comparisons between their playing styles due to their eye for goal from midfield.