Quick Facts
Biography
Paolo Castellini (born 25 March 1979) is an Italian professional footballer who plays for Brescia Calcio as a left back.
Club career
Born in Brescia, Lombardy, Castellini joined made his professional debuts at U.S. Cremonese at only 17, going on to appear for the club in both the Serie B and Serie C1. In the 2000 summer he moved to Torino FC, achieving promotion to Serie A in his debut season whilst appearing in 33 games.
From January 2004, Castellini served a loan at hometown's Brescia Calcio in the top division – Torino had been again relegated – after which he was released by Toro. In the ensuing summer he moved abroad and signed with Real Betis of Spain, on a five-year contract; however, his spell in Andalusia would be disastrous, as he never dislodged veteran Luis Fernández from his starting position, also suffering with injuries (torn ligaments and cartilage in his right knee).
After cutting ties with Betis, Castellini returned to his country in the summer of 2006, joining Parma F.C. and being an automatic first-choice from the beginning. In his third season he played in 41 out of 42 matches, helping the team return to the top level after only one year.
In the 2009–10 campaign, Castellini often played as wingback in a 3–5–2 or 5–3–2 formation, with Cristian Zaccardo in the other flank. He helped Parma to a final eighth position, narrowly missing out on qualification to the UEFA Europa League.
On 26 August 2010, Castellini was loaned to A.S. Roma as cover for John Arne Riise. On 24 June 2011, in the same predicament, he signed for U.C. Sampdoria in the second division.
Castellini moved to the Genoa side on a permanent basis on 9 July 2012, with Jonathan Biabiany heading in the opposite direction.
International career
Castellini never gained one full cap for Italy, but appeared with the under-21s at the 2002 UEFA European Championship, helping the national side to the semifinals.
Honours
- Serie B: 2000–01
- Copa del Rey: 2004–05