One of Italy's finest young products, 22 year old Alessandro joined Newcastle
from Inter Milan for £4.3m in July. Principally a left-back, his
versatility also allows him to play in other positions. He started out
as a youngster with Vicenza, then a third division club in Italy, and rejoined
them in 1995 after their promotion to Serie A. He played only six times
for Vicenza before reurning to his native city, Milan, when he was snapped
up by Internazionale on a four-and-a-half year contract. At Inter, he played
alongside Gianluca Festa, now with Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday's
Benito Carbone, and England International Paul Ince. With 45 Serie A appearances
for Inter over the next two seasons, and one goal, Alessandro became a
mainstay in defense and played a major part in their run to the 1997 UEFA
Cup Final, where they were beaten on penalties by Schalke 04. A former
Italian Under-21 international, he is strongly tipped for a full cap.
