Fabrizio Tavano

Youth

In his teenage years while attending Macleans College in Auckland, New Zealand, Tavano played for the under-15 team of amateur side Central United. In 2008, he participated with Central in the Manchester United Premier Cup, competing against the likes of Juventus and Middlesbrough, and finishing 17th out of a total of 20 teams. Following his performances, Tavano was invited to trial with prestigious European clubs Barcelona and Roma, among others. However, in 2009, Tavano opted to move to Italy with his family, competing at various stages for the Primavera sides of Serie B clubs Vicenza, Pisa and Carpi. In June 2012, Tavano was signed by Mexican club Santos Laguna and assigned to play with their under-20 side. In February 2013 he participated in the Torneo di Viareggio, a prestigious annual youth tournament held in Italy. Tavano scored the lone goal in Los Guerreros' 2–1 defeat to Parma in their opening match, and featured in the following two games against Rijeka and Genoa as the club were knocked out in the group stage. Before being released by the club in 2014, Tavano won the under-20 2013 Torneo Apertura with Santos, coming on as a substitute in their 1–0 victory in the final against Club León.

Auckland City

After an unsuccessful trial with Mexican club Atlético San Luis, Tavano returned to New Zealand and signed for reigning New Zealand Football Championship holders Auckland City on a free transfer. He made his debut on 19 October 2014 in the…

Tavano is the son of Mexican journalist Oreste Tavano, and has Italian heritage through his grandparents. Tavano moved to New Zealand with his family at a young age to follow his father's career.