Davide Chiumiento

Davide Chiumiento (born 22 November 1984) is a Swiss footballer currently playing for FC Zürich.

Chiumiento was born in Switzerland but spent most of his childhood abroad. His father, Gerardo Chiumiento, was a power tool salesman and plied his trade in Canada, Saudi Arabia and Japan before returning to his home country with his son.

Juventus

Chiumiento began his career in 2004 at Juventus and quickly made an impressive name for himself at the club on his debut coming on as a substitute against Ancona at the age of 19. Chiumiento also played alongside his childhood hero Alessandro Del Piero, stating after the match "This was my dream".

In 2004 he was loaned out to Serie B club Siena to gain more experience. Chiumiento broke into the first-team with 14 apps and contributed to the second division side's promotion. The following year he was loaned out to French side Le Mans playing 27 Ligue 1 matches scoring one goal. In 2006 he was loaned out to Swiss club BSC Young Boys. After his performances in the Swiss Super League, FC Lucerne showed interest in the player and signed him the following year.

Luzern

Chiumiento signed a three-year contract with FC Luzern in the summer of 2007, for €150,000 transfer fee. Chiumiento scored his first goal for Luzern against FC Basel. Chiumiento scored his first hat-trick against FC Aarau; the match ended 6–0.

Vancouver Whitecaps

Chiumiento signed with Vancouver Whitecaps of the USSF Division 2 Professional League in 2010. He made his USSFD2 debut for Vancouver on 24 September 2010 in a 1–0 loss to Montreal Impact. He signed an MLS contract with the club on 8 March 2011. Chiumiento made his Major League Soccer debut for the Whitecaps on 19 March 2011 against Toronto FC, assisting on two goals in a 4–2 win. He scored only two goals in his time with the Whitecaps, a botched cross against the San Jose Earthquakes on 11 May. His second goal was a cutback by Camilo where he chipped the ball up, spun 360 degrees, and went bar down with his right foot. It was a candidate for MLS Goal of the Year.

FC Zürich

On 11 July, Chiumiento was transferred to FC Zürich for an undisclosed fee. He scored his first goal on 19 August, putting it bottom right, making it 1–1 against Servette FC.

International

Chiumiento was called up as a replacement for Johann Lonfat in Switzerland's UEFA Euro 2004 squad. However he turned the call up down as he still had hope of appearing for Italy.

In February 2010, Chiumiento decided to play for Switzerland and made his first appearance for the Swiss national neam in a friendly match against Uruguay after having declined many call-ups. Although his dream was to play for Italy he decided he would play for Switzerland as he has a chance to be a regular in the starting team. Chiumiento was not chosen for the Swiss 2010 FIFA World Cup squad.

Chiumiento is referred to as the Swiss Ronaldinho although he idolizes Alessandro Del Piero. He is recognized for his pace and skills, dribbling ability and play-making. Chiumiento plays preferably as a central attacking midfielder, but can play on both wings, or as a second striker.

Davide attended Heiden Primary School in his hometown before moving to Turin, Italy, to attend Scuola Privata Athenaeum. He has a mother, Manuela Chiumiento, and an older brother, Claudio Chiumiento. Davide is fluent in four languages, English, French, Italian, and German. These have all helped him have a successful career in many countries. Davide had a great friendship with former FC Zurich striker, Eric Hassli, in his time in Vancouver, not just off the field, but on it, as many Hassli's goals were set up or created by Chiumiento. Davide was Hassli's best man at his wedding right before he transferred to FC Zurich. Some of his hobbies include spending time with his family and friends, and listening to Latin or Brazilian music, as well as surfing the internet. He is a dual citizen as his father was born in Italy.