Stefano Gioacchini

The Italian striker was taken on loan from Serie A club Venezia in 1998-99, after being a member of their promotion side the previous season. Stefano had a Manchester-born wife and was keen to make it in the English game. His loan period was for three months and he impressed in a number of reserve games before making three brief substitute appearances. At the end of the season he agreed personal terms but a fee could not be agreed with Venezia. Since then he has played for Italian clubs Cosenza, Salernitana and Frascati.