Rolando Bianchi Italian footballer, striker Date of Birth: 15.02.1983 Country: Italy

1. Early Career and Debut with Atalanta
2. Breakout with Cagliari and Reggina
3. Injury and Resurgence
4. Transfer to Manchester City and Return to Italy
5. Loan to Lazio and Permanent Transfer to Torino
6. Interest from Milan

Early Career and Debut with Atalanta

Rolando Bianchi, an Italian striker, began his career at Atalanta. He made his Serie A debut with the club at the tender age of 18, coming on as a substitute against Juventus on June 17, 2001. Despite the team's 1-2 defeat, Bianchi would make no further appearances that season.

Breakout with Cagliari and Reggina

In subsequent seasons, Bianchi gradually gained more playing time with Atalanta. After the club was relegated to Serie B in 2003, Bianchi was transferred to Cagliari, with Atalanta retaining a portion of his rights. With Cagliari, Bianchi made 14 appearances and scored 2 goals, helping the team earn promotion back to Serie A.

In the 2004-2005 Serie A season, Bianchi became a regular starter for Cagliari, appearing in 25 matches and scoring 2 goals. His standout performances caught the attention of Reggina, who acquired him in 2005.

Injury and Resurgence

Early in the 2005 season, Bianchi suffered a severe knee injury playing for Italy's Under-21 team. The injury disrupted his season, limiting him to just 9 appearances and a single goal.

Despite his injury-plagued season, Reggina decided to make Bianchi's transfer permanent. The decision proved inspired as Bianchi recovered and emerged as a prolific goalscorer. In 37 matches, he netted 18 goals and assisted on many for his strike partner, Nicola Amoruso. Their partnership helped save Reggina from relegation.

Transfer to Manchester City and Return to Italy

Bianchi's goalscoring prowess attracted interest from top clubs, including those in Italy. After extensive negotiations, Manchester City secured Bianchi's transfer for a fee of €13 million.

However, Bianchi struggled to establish himself in England. Swedish manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, who had pushed for Bianchi's acquisition, quickly lost confidence in the striker. Bianchi found himself relegated to the bench, making only sporadic appearances as a substitute.

In October 2007, English media began speculating about Bianchi's imminent return to Italy. He attracted interest not only in his home country but also in Spain, with Espanyol offering €7 million for his services.

Loan to Lazio and Permanent Transfer to Torino

On January 23, 2008, Bianchi was loaned to Lazio with an option to purchase for €12 million. He was assigned the number 9 shirt, previously worn by the legendary Paolo Di Canio.

Bianchi made his Lazio debut against Torino on January 27, but his appearance was marred by two yellow cards and a subsequent red card within minutes of entering the pitch. On February 27, he scored his first goal for the club against his former team, Reggina.

Bianchi's impact was significant, as Lazio adopted a three-forward formation. He scored crucial goals against Milan and Juventus, helping Lazio secure a Europa League spot. However, Lazio decided not to exercise their option to purchase, and Bianchi returned to Manchester City.

Undeterred, Torino, who had expressed interest in Bianchi earlier, acquired his services for a fee of €7.3 million. Bianchi made his debut for the club in August 2008, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Lecce.

Interest from Milan

In November 2010, Bianchi's impressive form with Torino caught the attention of AC Milan, who expressed interest in acquiring the striker.