Mirko Valdifiori

Mirko Valdifiori (Italian pronunciation: [ˈmirko valdiˈfjoːri]; born 21 April 1986) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Pescara.

A Cesena youth-product, he began his career with the senior side in 2004, but was sent on loan to Serie C sides Pavia and Legnano, before moving to Serie B side Empoli in 2008. With Empoli, he became the sixth most capped player in the team's history and helped the team achieve Serie A promotion in 2014. He made his debut in the Italian top division the following season, and his performances throughout the year earned him a transfer to Napoli in 2015. Following a successful first season in Serie A with Empoli, he also earned his first international call-up in 2015, making his Italy debut the same year.

Club Career

Cesena

Born in Russi, Ravenna, Valdifiori started his professional career at Italian club Cesena. A former member of the club's youth system, his debut for the Cesena senior side came on 14 May 2005, in a 3–3 away from home draw with Genoa, during the 2004–05 Serie B season. He made one further appearance that season, in the last round. The following season, the 2005–06 season, the youngster made just one appearance, coming off the bench. In order to gain more playing time, he went out on loan to Pavia for the 2006–07 season, where he made 24 Serie C1 appearances that season. The following season he went out on loan once more, this time to Legnano, who were then in Serie C1, and made 17 appearances for the side that season. The 2007–08 Serie B season also saw the relegation of Cesena to the Lega Pro Prima Divisione (formerly the Serie C1).

Empoli

In June 2008, Cesena sold Valdifiori to Serie B team Empoli in a co-ownership deal for €520,000. The defensive midfielder immediately became an important part of the first team at Empoli, playing 32 games during the 2008–09 season, as Empoli achieved a Serie B playoff spot for promotion, but unfortunately lost out to Brescia ove

This page also has a version in other languages :  Мирко Вальдифьори (russian)