Fabio CRIBARI

Brazilian, 23 years old, he was acquired by Empoli last summer.He doesnít have a great football past and his future is still to be built. Cribari is an half-back defender who spent 3 seasons playing in the Brazilian Serie B with Londrina (former team of Bayern Monacoís Elber). He also had a stint in Serie A with Paran‡.

Fabio Edoardo Cribari, nicknamed Binho (wich is short for Fabinho), began to play football like every brazilian youngster does: kicking balls made of paper in the street. He was fortitously noticed by a Talent-Scout who gave him the opportunity to play with the juvenile team of Londrina, where, at the age of 16, Cribari made his debut playing as a central defender. 2 years later he became part of the major Team. Binho played for 3 seasons with Londrina scoring only one goal.To cheer a so unique occurrence each of his teammates made him a present of a cake.

It was his Veronese Agent, Tubaldo, who proposed him to Empoli, that, meanwhile, was trading Birindelli to Juventus. However, he was just borrowed by Empoli and still has to sweat to achieve a real, definitive contract. Binho, whoís got the Italian passport, is a quick player who can rely on his right footís shots and on his elevation ability. He is 1.80m tall but weigths just 68kg., a weakpoint he tries to overcome by his determination. In everyday life Cribari is a quiet guy who likes Basketball and Volleyball. He spends much time reading novels, while Pasta with tomato and vegetables is his favourite meal. He is also a fanatic of BMWs.

However a question still remains: Binho or Cribari?He, actually, keeps Cribari on his jersey, but would you call PelË by his real name: O Nascimiento?Beyond the name, he has been able to win his coach Spallettiís respect by his commitment and guts.Which not always are distinctive of Brazilian players.