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Josip IlicicSlovenian footballer of Croatian origin, midfielder for Atalanta and the Slovenian national team.
Date of Birth: 29.01.1988
Country:  Slovenia |
Content:
- Early Career: From Bonifika to Interblock
- Maribor and Palermo: Catching European Attention
- Breakthrough in Palermo
- International Career
Early Career: From Bonifika to Interblock
Josip Iličić began his footballing journey with Bonifika in Slovenia's Second League. In 2008, he joined Interblock, where he played for two seasons, scoring 12 goals in 55 appearances. During his time at Interblock, Iličić made his European debut in a UEFA Europa League match against Metalurh Donetsk on July 30, 2009.
Maribor and Palermo: Catching European Attention
In July 2010, Iličić moved to Maribor. However, he only played 11 games for the Slovenian club, with 6 coming in the UEFA Europa League. In the third qualifying round of the 2010/11 Europa League, Maribor faced Italian side Palermo. Iličić's performances in both legs, including a goal in the second match, caught the attention of Palermo scouts.
Breakthrough in Palermo
On August 28, 2011, Iličić signed a five-year contract with Palermo. He made his debut for the Italian club against Brescia on September 12. Iličić scored his first goal for Palermo in the following match, a home fixture against Inter Milan on September 19. In his first season at Palermo, he made 34 Serie A appearances and netted 8 goals. In June, he extended his contract with the Sicilian club until 2016.
International Career
Iličić made his debut for the Slovenian national team on August 11, 2010, in a friendly match against Australia.
