Born: Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, 18 June 1974
Position: Centre forward
International caps: 20
International goals: 3
Signed: 4 January 2007 from AS Roma (loan)
Fulham debut: Leicester City 2-2 Fulham, FA Cup third round, 6 January 2007
Fulham appearances: 14
Fulham goals: 5
Sold: 14 May 2007, AS Roma (loan return)
Roma legend Vincenzo Montella was a surprise loan signing for Fulham in January 2007. He made his debut as a substitute in the FA Cup third round tie against Leicester City, scoring twice on his Craven Cottage debut in the replay inspiring a comeback that saw the Whites avoid a giantkilling. He scored again in a superb performance against Stoke City in the fourth round. Montella got off the mark in the Premier League with a penalty against Tottenham Hotspur and forged an immediate bond with the Fulham faithful, for which he thanked the fans. He fell out of favour after Coleman was replaced by Lawrie Sanchez, who eventually ended the little Italian’s loan spell early. Montella went on loan to Sampdoria before going into coaching upon his retirement. He has managed a number of Italian sides and is currently in charge of Turkish team Adana Demirspor.
