Fabio Daprelà

Fabio Daprelà ([ˈfabjo dapreˈla]; born 19 February 1991 in Zurich) is a Swiss footballer who currently plays as a defender for Lugano in Swiss Super League. He is a former Switzerland U21 international.

Early career

Daprelà was eight when he was spotted by SC Young Fellows Juventus and signed for them. After three years at SC Young Fellows Juventus, Daprelà joined Grasshoppers at the age of 12. Aged 16, Daprelà was promoted to first team squad and made his Grasshoppers debut on 2 February 2008, playing 90 minutes in place of the suspended Yassin Mikari. In the Swiss Cup, Daprelà scored his first goal for Grasshopper in a 2–2 draw against FC Chiasso on 26 October 2008.

West Ham United

In July 2009, Daprelà signed for West Ham United from Grasshoppers for a nominal fee joining fellow Swiss international, Valon Behrami who had been signed from Lazio in the summer of 2008. Daprelà signed a five-year deal after moving from the Zurich club and arrived as cover for first choice Hérita Ilunga. Replacing the injured Ilunga, Daprelà made his first-team debut for West Ham on 3 January 2010 in their 2–1 home defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round. The highly rated Switzerland Under-19 left-back had worn the armband for Alex Dyer's reserves team. On 13 March 2010 Daprelà made his Premier League debut in a 4–1 away defeat to Chelsea. Daprelà made eight appearances in all competitions for West Ham United, leaving at the end of the 2009–10 season. Following the sacking of manager Gianfranco Zola's, who signed him, West Ham United's new manager Avram Grant rarely used Daprelà in the first team.

Brescia

On 30 August 2010 Daprelà joined Brescia for an undisclosed fee signing a five-year contract and joining up with Swiss teammate Gaetano Berardi. On 26 September 2011, Daprelà made his debut for Brescia in a 2–1 loss against A.S. Bari. In his first season at Brescia, Daprelà made ten appearance (coming on as substitute five times) but his team played poorly and were relegated to Serie B after just one season in Serie A. Following Brescia's relegation Daprelà stayed, while some of the club's key players left. His first season at Brescia was mixed for Daprelà.

The next season at Brescia was key for Daprelà as he established himself in the first team at full back as the club placed 8th place.

Palermo

On 29 July 2013 he moved to Palermo, signing a three-year contract (with an option for another year). In the 2013–14 season, Daprelà was part of the Palermo side winning the Serie B title, thereby earning promotion back to the Serie A.

Carpi

On 6 January 2016 Carpi have announced the signing of Daprela after he left Palermo by mutual consent. He is tied to the Biancorossi until 30 June 2016 and given the number 36 shirt.

A regular in the U-17's, Daprelà played every minute of Switzerland's campaign at the 2008 European Championships, starting each match at left back. After the tournament, he was promoted to the U-19's and played in every game at the 2009 European Championships despite not taking part in qualification.

Participated at the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, finishing second in the competition, losing the final against Spain.

He was chosen by Pierluigi Tami for the London 2012 Olympics national squad.

Club

Palermo

• Serie B: 2013–14

International

Swiss Olympic team

• Represented Switzerland at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Switzerland Under-21

• UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship: Runner Up 2011