Italian left-back Cristian Molinaro left Juventus for VfB Stuttgart in January 2010 after two and a half years in Turin. Speedy and incisive, the former left-winger had fallen out of favour with the Bianconeri but immediately established himself as a regular in Christian Gross's side.

• Born in southern Italy, he started career with local club Salernitana Calcio 1919, making first-team debut in Serie B during 2002/03 season and becoming a regular over course of next two campaigns.

• Left Salernitana in 2005 for Juventus, who immediately despatched him on loan to another Serie A club, AC Siena.

• Extended loan for second season following Juventus' enforced demotion to Serie B, starting 36 of 38 league fixtures in 2006/07.

• Returned to Juve following their return to top division and established himself as the first-choice left-back in Claudio Ranieri's team over next two seasons, accumulating 60 league appearances and nine in Europe, including both legs of the UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie with Ranieri's former club Chelsea FC.

• Lost place in 2009/10 season to new signing Fabio Grosso, prompting loan move to Stuttgart for remainder of season with option of permanent transfer.

Did you know?
Although Molinaro was included in Juventus's 2009/10 UEFA Champions League squad, he did not play for the club in the competition and, with Juve eliminated at the group stage, was therefore eligible to represent Stuttgart in the knockout rounds.