Alberto Gilardino (born July 5, 1982 in Biella, Italy) is an Italian football (soccer) player, who is a striker for A.C. Milan, and the Italian national team. He started his career for Piacenza Calcio, playing his first match in Serie A against A.C. Milan. Then he was sold to Hellas Verona, for which he played for two season and scoring only two goals but showing plenty of his explosive, emerging talent. His career was launched on the international stage in 2002, after he moved to Parma on explicit request of former Hellas Verona coach Cesare Prandelli. He scored 5 goals in his first season playing for the Emilia region side and then 23 goals the next year, when he ranked as second-placed scorer in Serie A in the 2003-04 season. He joined AC Milan on July 2005. He played for the Italian football team during the 2004 Olympics in Athens, winning the bronze medal. He also led Italy's Under 21 team to victory in the European Championship.
Barely 24 years old, he is considered to be one of the strongest strikers of Italy and a bright hope for the Azzurri future.
He was Voted Best Italian Player and Best Overall Player for the 2004/05 Season. He made an estimated £18m transfer to AC Milan on 17th July 2005, and said, "Why did I choose Milan? They fascinate me and they are clearly the strongest club in European football, I can't wait to start training."
He has scored eight goals so far, more than any other Milan players as of November 2005.
