Full name: Alberto Gilardino Date of birth: July 5, 1982 Place of birth: Biella, Piemonte, Italy Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) Playing position: Striker "Gila" started his career for Piacenza Calcio, playing his first match in Serie A against AC Milan. He was sold to Hellas Verona in 2001, scoring only two goals in his first season with the team, but showing plenty of his talent. His career was launched on the international stage in 2002, after he transferred to Parma FC on the explicit request of former Verona coach Cesare Prandelli. Gilardino scored five goals in his first season, and netted over four times that total in the 2003-04 campaign, making him the second-most prolific Serie A scorer. He repeated this feat in 2004-05, scoring 23 goals and finishing as the second-best scorer in Serie A once again. He made an estimated £18m transfer to AC Milan on 17 July 2005.
