Giuseppe Rossi Bio Send To Friend  

Born in the USA to Italian immigrant parents, Rossi had the chance to play for either national team but shunned an approach from USA boss Bruce Arena ahead of World Cup 2006 and opted to stick with the Azzurri, having already represented the country at youth level. After making his debut for the senior team against Bulgaria in 2008 the striker scored two goals against USA in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and is now on the verge of establishing himself in the senior set up.

Rossi left America and headed to Italy to join Parma's youth team in 2000 but was snapped up by Manchester United in 2004, before he could sign a professional contract with the Serie A club. At United, the tricky forward proved too good for the reserves but never quite took his chance in the first team and was sold to Spanish side Villarreal for £6 million in 2007. Rossi scored on his debut in La Liga and has not looked back since.

With a low centre of gravity, good speed and a blistering shot, the Italian proved to be too good for a number of Spanish defences, scoring 12 league goals in his second season. Italy coach Marcello Lippi has begun to integrate Rossi into the senior team and he should be established by the time the 2010 World Cup rolls around.

Strengths: Low centre of gravity and great control with both feet.

Weaknesses: Lack of height and physical presence.

Career high: Scoring nine goals during a loan spell as Parma avoided relegation in the 2006-07 season.

Career low: Losing in the quarter-finals of the 2008 Olympics.

Style: Tricky on the ball, likes to out-fox his opponents rather than out-muscle them.

Quotes: "'He looks an exciting prospect. The defenders didn't know what to do - he teased them and finished like Ole Solskjaer." Former United great Arthur Albiston.

Trivia: His father coached him as a youngster at High School.

Soccernet says: Should make a good impact substitute for Marcello Lippi.