Montella

Vincenzo Montella (born June 18, 1974 in Pomigliano d'Arco, Campania) is an Italian football (soccer) player who currently plays for Fulham of the English FA Premier League on a six month loan from A.S. Roma.

Montella began his club career in Serie C at Empoli F.C. in 1990 before moving to Serie B club Genoa in 1996, where he scored 21 goals in his only season with the club. He then moved up to Serie A to U.C. Sampdoria. When Sampdoria were relegated in 1999, Montella moved to Roma in a €25m transfer, where he won a Scudetto in 2001.

He has a knack for performing well in the Rome derby against S.S. Lazio, scoring a brace in his first derby in 1999, and four goals in a 5-1 win in March 2002. His 2003-04 season was plagued with injuries.

He scored 21 goals, a career high for Roma in 2004-05 season, and earned a new contract last unit June 30, 2010. His 2005-06 season was plagued with injuries, as he underwent surgery on both his back and shoulder, limiting him to twelve games.

He joined Fulham on loan on 4 January, 2007 on a six month deal wearing the number 11 shirt. He scored twice against Leicester City on his home debut in the FA Cup. He scored again on 27 January in the same competition against Stoke City.

On January 13, 2007 he made his Premier League debut against West Ham United.

On January 20, 2007 against Tottenham at Craven Cottage, he scored his first Premiership goal with a penalty kick.

Montella is already hugely popular with the Fulham fans and has showed his gratitude for making him feel at home at Craven Cottage. He has already scored 4 goals in 4 games (in all competitions) for Fulham.

Montella's nickname is L'Aeroplanino ("The Little Aeroplane"), in a reference to his short stature and trademark goal celebration.