13 Facts About Gianluca Pessotto

Gianluca Pessotto is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a defender or midfielder.

Gianluca Pessotto represented his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and at UEFA Euro 2000, reaching the final of the latter tournament.

Gianluca Pessotto is currently the Sporting Director of the club's youth academy.

Gianluca Pessotto was given the nickname Il Professorino by the fans, due to his glasses, his interest in philosophy and literature, and as he was able to obtain a law degree during his career.

Gianluca Pessotto was an undisputed starter for much of the season, impressing greatly.

Gianluca Pessotto made 34 league appearances with a seasonal career high of 3 goals.

Gianluca Pessotto was one of many experienced players who had been at Juventus for a lengthy period of time.

In total, Gianluca Pessotto was capped 22 times for Italy between 1996 and 2002, under managers Arrigo Sacchi, Cesare Maldini, Dino Zoff and Giovanni Trapattoni.

Gianluca Pessotto played for his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where Italy were eliminated by hosts and eventual champions France on penalties in the quarter-finals, and at Euro 2000.

At Euro 2000, Gianluca Pessotto scored a penalty in the semi-final shootout win over co-hosts the Netherlands, which sent Italy into the final against France.

Gianluca Pessotto was unable to take part at the 2002 World Cup with Italy due to injury.

Gianluca Pessotto was capable of playing as a central or defensive midfielder, and was even used as a centre-back on occasion, due to his consistency, awareness, and man-marking ability.

Gianluca Pessotto suffered multiple fractures and internal bleeding from the fall.