Born: Turin, 28/8/66
Position: Striker
Clubs: Torino, Asti, Cosenza, Pisa, Napoli, Genoa, Reggiana, Juventus, Crystal Palace, Metz, Como
Serie A apps: 176
Serie A gls: 56

Nomadic striker Michele Padovano now finds himself playing for Como after a distinguished 15-year career which took in three countries and only really ignited when the player approached his early 30s.

It was at Juventus that the Turin-born player made his name. He was a surprise signing for Marcello Lippi’s Juve in the summer of 1995. After spells at Napoli and Genoa, Padovano caught the eye of the Bianconeri for his performances at little Reggiana.

His ability to work for the team, play on the backs of defenders and a useful left-foot made him a effective asset as Juve took on the world.

Padovano took time to make his mark with I Bianconeri, becoming something of a perennial substitute. It wasn’t until the spring of his first season that he made his mark, but later became part of the side that won the European Cup in 1996 – scoring in the penalty shoot-out win over Ajax - and then Lo Scudetto the following season.

His impressive run of form even caught they eye of Nazionale boss Cesare Maldini who handed Michele his one and only Azzurri cap in the 3-0 World Cup qualifying win against Moldova.

The following season, Padovano accepted a new challenge after Juventus strengthened their squad with a host of new strikers. Unfortunately, spells in England and France were hit by serious injury and his career looked to be over.

But Padovano vowed to fight on and although he has lost some of the sharpness that made him such a crowd favourite, he is still causing defences a problem - albeit in
Serie C.