14 August 2017
Juventus welcomes back Leonardo Spinazzola as the 23-year-old Italy international returns to the club after his loan spell with Atalanta.
Here is the official statement:
[COMUNICATO UFFICIALE]
Born in Foligno on 25 March, 1993, Leonardo moved to Juventus from Siena and made his debut with the Primavera at just 17 years old in the 2009/10 season. Spinazzola was one of the Primavera's standout players for three years, winning the Viareggio Cup in 2011/12.
In that tournament, Spinazzola was named the "Golden Boy" with a game-winning goal in the semi-final against Parma and two assists in the final against Roma.
SERIE B WITH EMPOLI, LANCIANO & SIENA
In the summer of 2012, Spinazzola began a series of loan moves to Serie B squads in order to earn more first-team match experience. With Empoli the youngster earned a handful of apperances in Italy’s second tier and the Coppa Italia as well as scoring the first goal of his career against Livorno on 15 September 2012.
After a short time at Lanciano, Spinazzola spent the 2012/13 season back at his very first club, Siena. Spinazzola established himself as an ever-present for the Tuscans, making 26 appearances in all competitions that year.
SERIE A BREAKTHROUGH
The Italian made his Serie A debut on 31 August 2014 in his first loan with Atalanta, with whom he put together five appearances between the league and Coppa Italia.
After spending the 2015/16 season back in Serie B with Perugia, in which he played 36 matches between league and cup, Spinazzola earned his first extended playing time in Serie A last season.
Returning to Atalanta on loan, he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign by turning out 32 times in Italy’s top-flight, establishing himself as one of the most talented left-sided players in the league.
During 2016/17, Spinazzola contributed five assists and created 46 goal scoring chances, providing 106 crosses and completing 61 dribbles.
EARNING CAPS WITH ITALY
Spinazzola made his debut for Gli Azzuri on 28 March 2017 in a friendly against Holland. He would play the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 friendly win over Uruguay and made his competitive debut on 11 June in a 5-0 win against Liechtenstein in which he earned his first assist for Italy.
SPINAZZOLA'S ATTRIBUTES
At 186 centimeters, Spinazzola brings good size as well as speed and excellent individual technique to form an ideal modern wing-back. While he is predominantly left-footed, he is also capable of playing on the right and can even occupy a more attacking role on the wing.
Welcome back, Leonardo and good luck!
