Small is beautiful

By Marcus Christenson

As far as Christmas lists go, the five-year-old Fabrizio Miccoli's was a rather short one. After hours of contemplation, he managed to write down only two things: a pair of football boots and a football.

Famous day
Miccoli had already decided that he wanted to be a professional footballer and, although his parents did not necessarily believe him, they made sure he had both wishes granted. Now 24, Miccoli still considers that Christmas as "one of the best days of my life".

No regrets
His parents initially regretted giving Miccoli the boots, contributing as they did to their son regularly missing school, but they have probably forgiven him as he has risen to the top of the Italian game. This season, the Juventus FC forward is aiming to win the UEFA Champions League and Serie A with his club and represent Italy at UEFA EURO 2004™.

Too short
It is remarkable progress for a player many thought would be too short to make it. Instead, his speed and sublime technique have confounded defenders and critics alike and made the 1.68m striker one of the most respected in Serie A.

Great start
Miccoli now has another wish, and says it would be a "dream come true" if Giovanni Trapattoni selected him for the EURO 2004™ finals. He is doing his best to convince the Italian national coach, scoring five league goals for Juventus this term despite missing several matches after appendicitis surgery.

Milan opportunity
Miccoli's tenacious performances are testimony to his strong character - although he almost gave up football once. He had made an impact at local level when at the age of 12, he was invited to train at a football school in Milan, far from his parents on the south coast.

Homesick kid
Young Miccoli did not cope well away from home and soon returned to start his climb up the football ladder. He rediscovered his love for the game and, after being turned down by US Lecce for being too small, made his Serie C debut as a 17-year-old with Casarano Calcio. He stayed there for two seasons before moving up to Serie B with Ternana Calcio.

Short precedents
Still considered too lightweight, Miccoli took heart from players such as Diego Maradona, Romario and Gianfranco Zola, who were all under 1.70m but made an indelible impact none the less. At Ternana, Miccoli overcame a disappointing first season which delivered only a single goal to become the division's most feared forward.

Juve signing
His form was so impressive that Juventus transfer chief Luciano Moggi recommended that the club buy him ahead of the 2002/03 campaign. Coach Marcello Lippi agreed that Miccoli was an extraordinary talent, but pointed out that he had players such as Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet, Marco Di Vaio and Marcelo Zalayeta in his team. Miccoli was duly sent on loan to AC Perugia.

Perugia progress
The player was disappointed but got his revenge when the clubs met in the Italian Cup. The striker, who has a Che Guevara tattoo on his calf, scored three times to dump the Italian champions out of the competition and although Milan later proved too tough for the Umbrians, Miccoli convinced Juve to bring him back.

Living proof
Now Miccoli has furthered his reputation by making his debut and scoring his first goal in the UEFA Champions League, a cool finish in the 7-0 demolition of Olympiacos CFP. The little man, it seems, has a big future.