Marco Storari

Early years / Messina

Born in Pisa, Storari finished his football formation at Perugia and Montevarchi (six months), making his professional debuts with Ancona, in the third division. With the latter, he helped to promotion to Serie B in 2000. After two seasons, Storari left for Napoli which was also then in the second level, in a joint-ownership deal. He continued to play in that category subsequently, joining Messina on loan in January 2002 in exchange for Emanuele Manitta, with the deal being made permanent in summer 2003; Messina promoted at the end of the 2003–04 campaign, with him as an undisputed starter. Storari made his Serie A debut on 12 September 2004 in a 0–0 away draw against Parma, as the newcomer club went on to finish in seventh place. In the following seasons he remained the starter, as Messina nearly relegated in 2005–06 after only being reinstated after the outcome of the 2006 Italian football scandal, but eventually dropping down a level the following year, as last.

Milan

On 17 January 2007, Storari was acquired by A.C. Milan for €1.2 million, signing a 2+1⁄2-year contract as an emergency signing as both Dida and backup Željko Kalac were out of action due to injury. In three league appearances, against Livorno, Siena and Udinese, he conceded seven goals. On 3 July 2007, reports surfaced that Milan were close to sending Storari to La Liga side Real Betis, on a one-year loan. The deal was increased to two years and the player, along with…

Storari was never capped for Italy, although he was selected as third-choice by national boss Marcello Lippi for a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Slovenia in October 2005.

Storari was a goalkeeper and a shot-stopper with quick reactions who played behind the back-line; he also stopped penalties.

Storari and his wife Veronica had two sons, Tommaso (b. 2010) and Piergiorgio (2011).