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PLACE : ABBIATEGRASSO (MI)
International Debut Uncapped
Christian Abbiati joined AC Milan from Monza in 1998. The goalkeeper quickly earned a first team place at the San Siro. Abbiati, who won the Italian league title in his debut season at Milan, had a busy summer in 2000. He first helped the Italian youth side to glory in the European Under-21 Championship and was then called up to the senior squad for EURO 2000 following Gianluigi Buffon's withdrawal through injury. After that tournament Abbiati also represented his country at the Sydney Olympics. Selected on the strength of superlative performances for Milan during the 1999-2000 season, Abbiati has the chance to emulate his childhood hero, Walter Zenga, by making the number one jersey his own. Joining Milan from Monza, he impressed during the Rossoneri's Scudetto-winning late run in the 1998/99 season, displacing San Siro favourite Sebastiano Rossi as his team pipped Lazio for the title. A former Under-21 international, he now has a chance to cement a place in the Azzurri line-up for many years to come. Unlikely to play but will enjoy the experience. As well as being a keen disco-dancer, Abbiati is a major fan of basketball. He burst on to the Serie A scene during the Rossoneri's Scudetto-winning run during the 1998/99 season, taking over from San Siro favourite Sebastiano Rossi and helping his club overhaul Lazio for the title. He has continued in the same vein this season, showing composure beyond his years to go with his undoubted talent.
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Christian Abbiati