Luca Castellazzi

An experienced shot-stopper, Castellazzi was known for his professionalism and consistency as a goalkeeper, as well as his excellent reflexes and ability between the posts, which enabled him to produce spectacular and decisive saves. He was less effective and confident at coming off his line to deal with high balls, however. In his youth, he was considered to be a promising goalkeeper, and his main role-models were Luca Marchegiani and Walter Zenga.

Early career

Castellazzi began his career at Monza. He then spent time in Serie B, Serie C1 and Serie C2 with Padova and Pescara, before joining Brescia along with Vincenzo Mazzeo.

Brescia

Castellazzi followed Brescia promoted to Serie A in the summer of 2000. He made his Serie A debut on 21 January 2001, against Vicenza. In the 2001–02 season, he was first choice for the team but during the next season lost his place to Matteo Sereni. After being loaned to Reggina and Catania in the 2002–03 season, he finally became a regular starter again in the 2004–05 season, in which he played all 38 Serie A matches. Castellazzi initially the first choice of 2003–04 season, but lost his place to Federico Agliardi after matchday 4 and regained his place on matchday 23.

Sampdoria

After Brescia were relegated to Serie B in the summer of 2005, Castellazzi joined Sampdoria on a free transfer, signing a reported two-year contract. He received the number 1 shirt from Luigi Turci. The first season he was the backup of Francesco Antonioli, and Castellazzi only played the three matches which Antonioli missed. In his second season, Castellazzi finally earned a regular place, and in January 2008, he signed a contract extension again which would run until summer 2010. After the injury during 2009–10 season, Castellazzi lost his starting place to Marco Storari, and in February 2010, it was rumoured he had signed a pre-contract with Inter Milan. In total, Castellazzi played…

Inter Milan

Supercoppa Italiana: 2010 FIFA Club World Cup: 2010 Coppa Italia: 2010–11