01 November 1897
New arrival Daniele Rugani has already demonstrated that he has all the qualities to become a star performer in Juventus’ backline over the coming years.
The 20-year-old centre-back had been the subject of serious interest from other top clubs across Europe before the Bianconeri sealed his services on a permanent basis in February this year.
Born in Lucca, the towering defender rose through the ranks within Empoli’s youth academy before being sent on loan to Juventus’ Primavera for the 2012/13 season. During that campaign, he would play an instrumental role in the side’s Coppa Italia triumph.
The following year saw Rugani loaned back to Empoli, helping the Tuscan outfit to promotion from Serie B, as he scooped the Best Young Player award in Italy’s second flight.
The Under 21 international, also selected for recent Euro 2016 qualifiers with the first-team, went on to play every minute of every league match during his first full Serie A season in 2014/15. In 38 fixtures, not once was he waved the yellow card.
Buying out the remaining half of Rugani’s registration rights for €3.5 million in February, the Old Lady can now count amongst their ranks one of the most promising defenders of his generation.
