Vincenzo Iaquinta

Vincenzo Iaquinta Ufficiale OMRI (Italian pronunciation: [vinˈtʃɛntso jaˈkwinta]; born 21 November 1979) is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a striker. Prior to joining Juventus in 2007, he initially played for several smaller Italian clubs, and subsequently moved to Udinese in 2000, where he spent seven seasons, representing the club in the UEFA Champions League. After failing to make an appearance under new manager Antonio Conte during the first half of the 2011–12 season, in January 2012, he was sent on a half-season loan to Cesena; he returned to Juventus the following season, but once again made no appearances due to injury as the club won the league title; he subsequently retired from football in 2013.

Vincenzo Iaquinta
Iaquinta in 2010
Personal information
Full name Vincenzo Iaquinta[1]
Date of birth (1979-11-21) 21 November 1979
Place of birth Cutro, Italy
Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s) Striker
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–1997 Reggiolo 33 (6)
1998 Padova 13 (3)
1998–2000 Castel di Sangro 52 (8)
2000–2007 Udinese 176 (58)
2007–2013 Juventus 86 (30)
2012 → Cesena (loan) 7 (1)
Total 374 (106)
National team
2005–2010 Italy 40 (6)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Iaquinta played 40 matches for the Italy national football team between 2005 and 2010, scoring 6 goals. He was included in their squad which won the 2006 FIFA World Cup, as well as the team for the 2010 edition of the tournament, scoring a goal on each occasion; he also took part at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup with Italy.

Club career

Reggiolo

Iaquinta was born in Cutro, in the province of Crotone. Like many Calabrians in the 1980s, his parents migrated to Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy for better job opportunities. Iaquinta played with his brother in the lower divisions for Reggiolo for the 1996–1997 season, before transferring to Serie B club Calcio Padova in January 1998, after 33 appearances and 6 goals in his first professional season and a half.

Padova

Iaquinta moved to Padova in January 1998, a club where his future Juventus teammate and Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero thrived, but his spell with Padova was short-lived as after only 6 months, just 13 appearances and 3 goals, Iaquinta was surprisingly sold to Serie C1 club, Castel di Sangro Calcio.

Castel di Sangro

Following his short spell in the Serie B, Iaquinta went on to spend two seasons in the Italian Serie C1, with Castel di Sangro from 1998 and 2000. It was with his new club where Iaquinta established himself, making 52 appearances as he became a key part of the starting line-up, and netting 8 goals. Following several impressive performances, Iaquinta was signed by Udinese Calcio of Serie A.

Udinese

In June 2000, Udinese completed the signing of the young prospect and in his first season with the club, Iaquinta made 16 appearances and scored 2 goals. The following season, he made 26 appearances with 3 goals, before breaking into the starting eleven in his third season. He scored 8 goals in 28 appearances and the following season (2002–03), in which Udinese finished in 6th and qualified for the UEFA Cup.[2] Iaquinta made 32 appearances and scored 11 goals during the 2003–2004 season, as his team again reached the UEFA Cup, this time in 7th.[3]

During the 2004–05 season, he made 39 appearances and scored 15 goals, as Udinese came in fourth in Serie A and therefore qualified for the UEFA Champions League. That following season, Iaquinta made 34 appearances with 17 goals, including a hat-trick in his first UEFA Champions League group stage match against Panathinaikos. Although he refused to sign a contract extension at the start of the season,[4] on 30 September he agreed terms for a further 3 years.[5] In his final season, 2006–07, he scored 14 goals for his club in 30 appearances, and formed a partnership with Antonio Di Natale. Following a string of impressive seasons with Udinese, he was signed by Juventus.

Juventus
Iaquinta celebrating a goal for Juventus, 2007

Juventus signed Iaquinta on a five-year contract on 19 June 2007 for a fee of €11.3 million. (cash plus Michele Paolucci),[6] to become the Turin giant's first signing for the new campaign. Udinese also bought back Fabio Quagliarella from Sampdoria on 21 June; Sampdoria then bought Andrea Caracciolo from Palermo on 22 June and Palermo bought Fabrizio Miccoli from Juventus on 5 July.

During the 2007–08 season, Iaquinta made only a handful of starts for Juventus, mostly being used as back-up to the experienced strike partners Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet, who combined to score 41 goals between them in the Serie A alone. He did however still manage 29 appearances with 9 often crucial goals, such as his last minute winner versus Napoli in April 2008. It appeared that he might be surplus to requirements after the signing of Brazilian striker Amauri, leading to rumours about a possible move out of Juventus. However, nothing materialised, and Iaquinta remained for the 2008–09 season. Iaquinta also signed a new 4-year contract near the end of 2008–09 season.[7]

Iaquinta started the season as fourth-choice striker, but enjoyed a particularly impressive string of performances when both Amauri and Trezeguet were injured, gaining a more regular place under Claudio Ranieri. Most notably, he scored the first goal against Chelsea in the second leg of the first knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, which was also Juventus' 600th goal in European competition. Despite this, Juve could only draw the match 2–2, and were eliminated. After that, Iaquinta also played regularly in Serie A games, his situation helped by a falling-out between Trezeguet and head coach Claudio Ranieri. In his second season in Piedmont, the striker managed 38 appearances with 16 goals. Following the sacking of Ranieri, and the appointment of Ciro Ferrara for the 2009–10 season, Iaquinta became an undisputed starter, before a major injury side-lined him for 6 months between October 2009 and March 2010. In 2010–11 Serie A, Juventus renewed its squad by selling Trezeguet but also signing Quagliarella. That season Iaquinta made only 8 starts (7 in first half season). Despite the injury of Quagliarella in mid-season, the arrival of Alessandro Matri made Iaquinta was a substitute in the second half of season.

Under new coach Antonio Conte in 2011, Iaquinta, Amauri and Luca Toni did not play a single minute on the pitch and Iaquinta was the third one to leave Turin on 31 January.[8]

Cesena loan and Juventus return

On 31 January 2012, Iaquinta joined Cesena on loan until the end of the 2011–12 season.[9] He made his debut for them on 9 February away at Lazio, and assisted Adrian Mutu for the first goal and scored a penalty to put Cesena 2–0 up at half-time, but they eventually lost 3–2.[10] In total he made 7 appearances for the club, although his time with Cesena was once again characterised by injuries, and he was unable to save the club from relegation.[11][12]

At the end of the season he returned to his home club Juventus, who had just won the league title, although he continued to struggle with injuries, and once again failed to make a single appearance under Conte during the 2012–13 Serie A season, as Juventus won a second consecutive league title.[13] On 22 July 2013, following the end of his contract with the club, he announced his retirement, stating his intention to pursue a coaching career.[8][14][15]

International career

Iaquinta made his international debut for Italy on 30 March 2005, as a half-time substitute for Luca Toni in a 0–0 home friendly draw against Iceland at the Stadio Euganeo in Padua.[16][17]

Iaquinta was a member of the Italian squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup under manager Marcello Lippi.[18][19] His first international goal came in his nation's opening match of the tournament, on 12 June: Iaquinta scored Italy's second goal in the 2–0 victory against Ghana.[20] He played in 5 out of 7 of Italy's matches, including the victorious semi-final against hosts Germany and final against France on 9 July, in which he came on after 61 minutes for Simone Perrotta.[21] Iaquinta missed out on Roberto Donadoni's Italy squad for Euro 2008 due to injury.[17][22][23] He later took part at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup,[17] and he also played for Italy in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in which he scored a penalty in a 1–1 draw against New Zealand in the second group match.[24] His 40th and final international appearance came in the last group game on 24 June, in which Italy were defeated 3–2 by Slovakia and eliminated from the tournament.[25][26] In total he scored six goals for Italy.[17]

Style of play

In his prime, Iaquinta was a tall, physically strong, opportunistic, and extremely fast striker, who excelled in the air and at finishing off chances inside the penalty area.[27][28][29][30][31] Due to his great pace, athleticism, work-rate, tenacity, and good movement off the ball, he was also known for his ability to make attacking runs to beat the defensive line and either get on the end of his teammates' passes or provide depth and create space for his team; his speed and timing also made him a dangerous offensive threat on counter-attacks.[32][33] Although his preferred role was that of a striker, he was a versatile forward who was capable of playing in several offensive positions, and was also used as a second striker, or as a winger.[27][28][29][30][31][34][35][36] Due to his strength, he excelled at playing with his back to goal, and at holding the ball up for teammates.[37][38] Iaquinta was often injury-prone throughout his career, which frequently limited his playing time.[39][40]

Personal life

Iaquinta has been married to Arianna Cucinotta since 14 June 2003. He and his wife have four children, two sons and two daughters: Giuseppe, born on 17 December 2002, Edoardo, born on 28 June 2004, Carlotta, born on 20 May 2008, and Ginevra, born on 23 April 2015.

Criminal allegations and conviction

During the Aemilia antimafia investigation, on 4 February 2015 illegal weapons were found at Iaquinta's Quattro Castella home and his father Giuseppe's home.[41] On 21 December 2015, they were both sent to trial for the illegal possession of firearms, aggravated by the aiding of the Calabrian Mafia organization 'Ndrangheta expand to Northern Italy, of which his father was charged with association with the 'Ndrangheta through the 'Ndrina of Nicolino Grande Aracri.[42] On 31 October 2018, Iaquinta was found guilty of illegal possession of firearms, and sentenced to two years imprisonment; his father was found guilty of mafia association, and received 19 years imprisonment.[43][44]

Career statistics

Club
Club Season League Cup Europe Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Reggiolo1996–97 1410000141
1997–98 1950000195
Total 3360000336
Padova1997–98 1330000133
Total 1330000133
Castel di Sangro1998–99 2533000283
1999–2000 2750000275
Total 5283000558
Udinese2000–01 1422000162
2001–02 2224100263
2002–03 2672100288
2003–04 291120103211
2004–05 311362203915
2005–06 24911973417
2006–07 301423003217
Total 1765819812720773
Juventus2007–08 24854002912
2008–09 281230733815
2009–10 1560031187
2010–11 2041032246
2011–12 00000000
2012–13 00000000
Total 88309413610940
Cesena (loan)2011–12 71000071
Total 71000071
Career total 3681053192513425128

International
Italy national team
YearAppsGoals
2005 100
2006 91
2007 30
2008 30
2009 104
2010 51
Total 406

International goals
Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first.[45]

Honours

Club
Juventus[45]

International
Italy[45]

Individual

Orders
  • CONI: Golden Collar of Sports Merit: 2006[47]
  • 4th Class / Officer: Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: (2006)[48]

References
  1. "FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010: List of Players: Italy" (PDF). FIFA. 4 June 2010. p. 15. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 April 2020.
  2. http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/ital03.html
  3. http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/ital04.html
  4. "Iaquinta rejects Udinese deal". Skysports. 20 September 2005. Retrieved 3 December 2009.
  5. "Iaquinta pens Udinese deal". Skysports. 30 September 2005. Retrieved 3 December 2009.
  6. "Agreement with Udinese Calcio S.p.A. for the acquisition of the registration rights of the player Vincenzo Iaquinta" (PDF). Juventus F.C. 19 June 2007. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  7. Juventus FC 2008–09 annual report
  8. Filippo Cornacchia (10 October 2014). "Parla Iaquinta: "Macché tossico, ho sofferto"" (in Italian). Tutto Sport. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  9. https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1576974.html
  10. https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/02/09/italy/serie-a/ss-lazio-roma/ac-cesena/1175840/
  11. Andrea D'Amico (26 February 2013). "CALCIOMERCATO/ Juventus, ag.Iaquinta: Vincenzo al posto di Anelka? Non guardiamo indietro. Il futuro...(esclusiva)" (in Italian). ilsussidiario.net. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  12. Riccardo Pratesi (25 April 2012). "Juve, stavolta ci pensa Borriello Un altro passo verso lo scudetto". La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  13. Giuseppe Giannone (24 June 2013). "Iaquinta si ritira?" (in Italian). Tutto Juve. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  14. Gaetano Mocciaro (22 July 2014). "ESCLUSIVA TMW – Iaquinta: "Morata, è un bel problema. Calcio giocato, ho chiuso"" (in Italian). TuttoMercatoWeb. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  15. "Juventus-Iaquinta, addio e ritiro? Il padre: 'E' stato trattato male'" (in Italian). Calciomercato.com. 24 June 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  16. http://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=3097
  17. "Auguri a Vincenzo Iaquinta che compie 36 anni!" (in Italian). Vivoazzurro.it. 21 November 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  18. "Lippi ha fiducia, nonostante tutto Convocato Buffon: "E' sereno"" (in Italian). La Repubblica. 15 May 2006. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  19. Maurizio Crosetti (9 July 2006). "L' Italia campione del mondo 2006 Repubblica lo racconto così". repubblica.it (in Italian). La Repubblica. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  20. "BBC SPORT | Football | World Cup 2006 | Italy 2–0 Ghana". BBC News. 12 June 2006. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  21. Antonio Sansonetti (6 June 2014). "Home Sport Italia 2006: campioni del mondo. Grosso jolly, Cannavaro e Buffon muro: voto simpatia 7,5" (in Italian). BlitzQuotidiano.it. Retrieved 3 July 2016.
  22. "Iaquinta ko: porta aperta a Del Piero?" (in Italian). Eurosport. 8 May 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  23. Giampiero Timossi (6 July 2008). "Iaquinta fedele alla Juve: "Mai pensato di andar via"" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  24. Chris Whyatt (20 June 2010). "Italy 1-1 New Zealand". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  25. http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=26754
  26. Paul Wilson (24 June 2010). "World Cup 2010: Italy exit as Slovakia turf out reigning champions". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  27. "Errore o Bidone: Vincenzo Iaquinta" (in Italian). Juve News Radio.it. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  28. "Juve, porte aperte per l'addio di Iaquinta" (in Italian). Tuttosport. 21 August 2010. Archived from the original on 10 November 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  29. "Duello Di Natale-Iaquinta per affiancare Gilardino" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. 19 June 2010. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  30. "Torna Juve formato maxi: Del Neri per Iaquinta-Amauri" (in Italian). News Calcio.it. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  31. "Lippi: "Iaquinta gran colpo"" (in Italian). Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  32. Riccardo Pratesi (25 April 2010). "Juve, è tornato Iaquinta Bari al tappeto: 3-0" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  33. "Ranieri: "Siamo di nuovo noi"" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. 10 May 2009. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  34. "Juventus, Iaquinta: "Sono pronto per il mondiale"" (in Italian). TuttoMercatoWeb.com. 25 April 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2017.
  35. "Iaquinta a tutta grinta 'Non mi sento inferiore a nessuno'" (in Italian). La Repubblica. 26 March 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2017.
  36. "Iaquinta sereno: "Tranquilli, il gol arriverà"" (in Italian). Tuttosport.com. 19 June 2010. Archived from the original on 25 June 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2017.
  37. "L'irriconoscibile Iaquinta" (in Italian). Tutto Juve. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  38. "Juve, scambio Iaquinta - Vucinic?" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web.com. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  39. "Juventus, nuovo stop per Iaquinta" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web.com. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  40. "Juventus, ancora un infortunio per Iaquinta" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web.com. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  41. "'Ndrangheta in Emilia, perquisito Vincenzo Iaquinta" (in Italian). La Repubblica. 4 February 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  42. "Processo Aemilia, 145 rinvii a giudizio. Ci sono anche Iaquinta e il padre" (in Italian). Corriere della sera. 21 December 2015.
  43. "Iaquinta sentenced to prison". Football Italia. 31 October 2018.
  44. "'Ndrangheta: Iaquinta, condanna a 2 anni. Lui si infuria: "Vergogna"" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. 31 October 2018. Retrieved 31 October 2018.
  45. "V. Iaquinta". Soccerway. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  46. Roberto Di Maggio; Davide Rota (4 June 2015). "Italy - Coppa Italia Top Scorers". RSSSF. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  47. "Coni: Consegna dei Collari d'Oro e dei Diplomi d'Onore. Premia il Presidente del Consiglio Romano Prodi. Diretta Tv su Rai 2" (in Italian). Coni.it. 16 October 2006. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  48. "ONORIFICENZE - 2006". quirinale.it (in Italian). 12 December 2006. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
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