Marco Borriello

Early career

Borriello came up through the ranks of Milan but was transferred to Treviso on loan before having the chance to prove himself at the first team. He scored eight goals for Treviso reserves in the 2000–01 season. After another move ca. January 2001, he made his professional debut for Triestina in 2000–01 Serie C2 (the fourth division), subsequently returning to Treviso in June 2001, via Milan. His 10 goals in 27 Serie C1 games with Treviso led to Milan's recalling him in June 2002.

Milan

Borriello made his Serie A debut for Milan on 21 September 2002 against Perugia but failed to establish himself and spent much of the next few years on loan at other Serie A clubs. After only three league appearances for Milan, he was loaned out to Empoli for the rest of the 2002–03 Serie A season. He returned to Milan for the entire 2003–04 season, but played in just four league games. In the 2004–05 season, he was on loan at Reggina. In the 2005–06 season, he was once again sent on loan, this time to Sampdoria along with Milan teammates Samuele Dalla Bona and Ignazio Abate. Borriello left Sampdoria in January 2006 for a six-month loan stint at Treviso where he scored his then-career best of five Serie A goals. Treviso, however, were relegated to Serie B that season. Borriello was recalled to Milan's first team in the summer of 2006 after Andriy Shevchenko was sold to Chelsea and Marcio Amoroso terminated his contract. However, once again he became only a…

Borriello received his first Italy national team call-up for a friendly against Portugal, which took place on 6 February 2008 in Zürich. He replaced Luca Toni for the final 20 minutes, with Italy winning 3–1. He also played in the next two friendlies, coming on as a substitute for Toni on both occasions. Borriello was included in Roberto Donadoni's Italy squad for UEFA Euro 2008 but did not play. He was also in Marcello Lippi's 28-man provisional 2010 FIFA World Cup squad but was not included in the 23-man final squad.

A dynamic left-footed striker, Borriello is primarily known for his eye for goal, as well as his strength, ability in the air, and heading accuracy, which enables him to function as a target-man; being a commanding aerial presence, and possessing a powerful shot, he is also gifted acrobatically, and has a penchant for scoring goals from volleys. His solid technique and powerful physique also aid him in holding up the ball and laying it off for his teammates when playing with his back to goal. A hard-working player, while he is mainly known for operating in the penalty area, he has also drawn praise for his defensive contribution off the ball and willingness to track back.

Borriello grew up in the area of San Giovanni a Teduccio in Naples. His father was killed by the camorra when Marco was still a child and he was raised along with siblings Fabio (who was also a footballer) and Piergiorgio by his mother Margherita. Off the pitch, Borriello has often attracted attention in the media due to his high-profile relationships; from August 2004 to December 2008, he dated Argentine–Italian showgirl Belén Rodríguez.