From loan spells to European glory: the resilient journey of Leonardo Spinazzola
In short: Before becoming a UEFA Team of the Tournament star, Leonardo Spinazzola navigated a complex web of loans and co-ownership deals. His path from Siena's youth setup to the heights of international success is a masterclass in persistence, marked by sudden injuries and high-stakes transfers across Italy's top leagues.
Born in Foligno on 25 March 1993, Spinazzola's professional ascent was anything but linear. He began his career in the Siena youth system before joining Juventus in 2010. His early years were defined by a series of temporary moves and complex registration rights. In June 2012, Juventus purchased half of his rights for €400,000, leading to a season-long loan at Empoli. This period of development continued through various spells at clubs like Virtus Lanciano, Atalanta, and Vicenza, as he worked to establish himself in the Italian top flight.
A major turning point occurred during the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. Spinazzola was named man of the match twice during the competition, including a standout performance in a 3–0 victory over Turkey on 11 June 2021. However, his tournament ended abruptly during the quarter-final against Belgium on 2 July, when an Achilles tendon rupture required surgery by Lasse Lempainen in Turku, Finland. Despite this setback, he was part of the Italian squad that secured the European Championship after a penalty shoot-out victory against England at Wembley Stadium on 11 July 2021.
Known for his immense speed—clocked at 33.8 km/h during the tournament—Spinazzola is a versatile player who prefers the left flank but can operate on the right or as a winger. His playing style, characterized by high stamina and dribbling ability, has drawn comparisons to former Italian international Gianluca Zambrotta. Following a €29.5 million shift to Roma during 2019, his latest deal was joining Napoli, a Serie A side, via a free transfer on 10 July 2024.
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