Diego Fabbrini

Empoli

Born in San Giuliano Terme, Italy, Fabbrini began his career at Empoli when he signed for the club at 13 years old. He said in an interview, saying: "I took my first steps at the Zambra football school, where I grew up really well. I managed to show off with important performances and so came the right specimen The Empoli observers have noticed me, followed me and ... I am still in this very important club." After two years at Empoli, he was promoted to the first team. He made his first team debut for Empoli on 21 August 2009, coming on as a substitute for Francesco Lodi, in a 2–0 win over Piacenza. In his first season as a professional player, at 19 years old, he became a regular and made 30 appearances, scoring a solitary goal in the 2009–10 Serie B campaign, which was against A.S. Cittadella on 6 March 2010. His performance at Empoli attracted interests from top Serie A clubs throughout the 2009–10 season and in the summer transfer window. At one point, Empoli rejected a bid from Genoa and Napoli. In the 2010–11 season, Fabbrini appeared the first three matches of the season for Empoli, including scoring in a 3–2 win over Frosinone on 22 August 2010. Fabbrini's first game after signing for the club on loan from Udinese for the 2010–11 season came on 11 September 2010, in a 1–1 draw against Triestina. He then scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–0 win over Siena on 18 October 2010. Despite being sidelined during the 2010–11 season, Fabbrini went on…

Fabbrini made his debut for the Italy U-21 side on 3 September 2010 in a qualification match against Bosnia and Herzegovina played in Sarajevo. A month later on 8 October 2010, he set up a goal for Mattia Destro to score the opener, in a 2–1 win over Belarus and his performance earned him Man of the Match. He scored his first goal for the U-21s on 24 March 2011, in a friendly against Sweden. Fabbrini went on to make 12 appearances and scoring once for the U21 side. Fabbrini was called up to the senior squad for a friendly on 15 August 2012 against England, to replace Mario Balotelli who had withdrawn at short notice through illness. He made his debut in the 2–1 defeat, replacing Mattia Destro for the final six minutes and receiving a yellow card.

Club

As of 14 May 2025

International

As of 15 August 2012

Fabbrini is engaged to Rachele. He said about his free time when is not playing football: "No, no playstation, I joined the law and when I have some study time. I have already given Private and Roman Law, now I am preparing Constitutional." During his time at Middlesbrough, Fabbrini earned a nickname: "Diego Maradona", due to his skilful style.