Stefano Sorrentino

Stefano Sorrentino (born 28 March 1979) is an Italian professional footballer who plays for A.C. Chievo Verona as a goalkeeper.

Early years / Torino

Born in Cava de' Tirreni, Campania, Sorrentino started playing football with S.S. Lazio, finishing his youth training with Juventus F.C. in 1997 and failing to collect any official first-team appearances during his one-season spell. In the 1998 summer he joined Torino F.C. in Serie B, only playing once in the league.

In the following two seasons Sorrentino played in Serie C1, representing S.S. Juve Stabia and A.S. Varese 1910 on loan. He returned to Torino in the 2001 off-season, being a backup in the top division (twelve games) and an undisputed starter in the second level during his four years; in his final campaign he made 43 league appearances for Toro, who finished second and promoted via the playoffs.

AEK

In the 2005 summer, however, the Turin-based club declared bankruptcy, consequently releasing all its players. Sorrentino moved to Greece and joined AEK Athens FC. After the birth of his daughter, he asked president Demis Nikolaidis to let him return to Italy because his wife was not feeling comfortable enough in Greece; however, no ideal offer was made, and the player made it clear that if he had to stay in the country, he would be 100% professional: on 21 November 2006, he had a top-notch performance against A.C. Milan in a UEFA Champions League group stage match which the Greek hosts won 1–0, also being named Man of the match.

In July 2007, after failing to win any silverware in two seasons, Sorrentino was loaned by AEK to Recreativo de Huelva, with the Spanish side having the option to sign him on a full basis at the end of the season. He made his La Liga debut on 26 August in a 1–1 home draw against Real Betis, and eventually appeared in all league matches as the Andalusians eventually avoided relegation, ranking 16th.

Chievo

After Recre did not exercise the buying option, Sorrentino returned to his country and signed with top-divisioner A.C. Chievo Verona – freshly promoted to the top flight – initially on loan. He played in 32 league games in the season as the team retained its newly found status, and the move was made permanent on 12 June 2009.

On 30 June 2010, Chievo was reported to have agreed with Genoa C.F.C. to swap Sorrentino for Riccardo Meggiorini, as well as signing Brazilian Rubinho as their new goalkeeper. However, the deal collapsed as Meggiorini moved to Bologna FC 1909; in the following top flight seasons, the goalkeeper continued to perform solidly for his club.

Palermo

On 25 January 2013, after a long negotiation, Sorrentino signed a 3½-year contract with U.S. Città di Palermo for €4 million. He made his debut two days later, in a 1–1 draw at Cagliari Calcio.

Palermo

• Serie B: 2013–14