Overview
Marco Chiosa is an Italian professional footballer, born on November 19, 1993, in Ciriè. Primarily a central defender, Chiosa is recognized for his robust defensive attributes and tactical understanding on the pitch. Standing at 1.81 meters, he possesses the physical characteristics often associated with his position, allowing him to compete effectively in aerial duels and ground challenges. Throughout his career, Chiosa has predominantly played in Italy, gaining significant experience across Serie B and Serie C. His journey reflects a player who prioritizes defensive stability and consistency, often serving as a reliable anchor in the backline for his respective clubs.
Position
Chiosa operates primarily as a central defender. His natural left foot makes him particularly adept at playing on the left side of a two-man central defense or as a left-sided center-back in a back three. While his main role is to defend, his positioning and ability to read the game also allow him to contribute to the initial phases of build-up play. He is known for his disciplined approach to defending, rarely straying from his responsibilities and maintaining a strong defensive shape.
Identity
Marco Chiosa's identity as a footballer is that of a reliable, no-nonsense defender. He is not typically a player who seeks the limelight through offensive contributions, but rather a diligent professional who excels in the fundamental aspects of defending: tackling, clearing, and marking. His career has been characterized by consistent performances in challenging leagues, where his defensive tenacity and commitment have been highly valued by coaches. He embodies the traditional Italian defender's ethos of prioritizing clean sheets and defensive organization above all else.
Career path
Marco Chiosa began his footballing journey in the youth ranks of Torino FC, a prominent club in Italian football known for its strong academy system. He progressed through the various age groups, demonstrating his potential as a defender, before making his senior debut. His professional career officially began with Torino, though his early years involved several loan spells to gain crucial first-team experience.
Torino FC & Early Loans
After developing in the Torino youth sector, Chiosa was loaned to Nuova Cosenza Calcio for the 2012-2013 season. This move provided him with his first taste of regular senior football, playing in Serie C1. He made 15 appearances during his spell there, contributing to the team's defensive efforts (Transfermarkt: Marco Chiosa - Stats by club). Following this, he was loaned to Barletta Calcio for the 2013-2014 season, where he continued to play in Serie C1, making 25 appearances and further solidifying his experience at that level.
Transition to Serie B
Chiosa's consistent performances in Serie C caught the attention of clubs in Serie B. He moved to FC Bari 1908 on loan in 2014, marking his debut in Italy's second-tier league. He featured in 18 matches for Bari during the 2014-2015 season (Transfermarkt: Marco Chiosa - Stats by club). This was followed by another Serie B loan spell at Avellino for the 2015-2016 season, where he made 27 appearances, establishing himself as a reliable defender at this level.
Perugia & Novara
In 2016, Chiosa joined Perugia Calcio permanently. He spent one season there, playing 29 matches in Serie B before moving to Novara Calcio in 2017. At Novara, he became a key figure in their defense, making 36 appearances in his first season. Despite Novara's relegation to Serie C, Chiosa remained with the club, demonstrating loyalty and commitment. He continued to be a staple in their backline during their Serie C campaigns.
Virtus Entella
In 2020, Chiosa made a move to Virtus Entella, another club with a history in Serie B and Serie C. He quickly integrated into the team, bringing his wealth of experience to their defense. His tenure at Virtus Entella has seen him continue to be a regular starter, contributing to their efforts in various league campaigns (Transfermarkt: Marco Chiosa - Stats by club). As of 2026, he remains a vital part of their squad, known for his leadership and defensive prowess.
Playing style
Marco Chiosa's playing style is characterized by a strong emphasis on defensive fundamentals and tactical discipline. As a central defender, his primary strengths lie in his ability to read the game, make timely interceptions, and engage in effective one-on-one duels. His 1.81m height, while not towering, is sufficient for him to compete in aerial battles, particularly in defensive set-piece situations.
Defensive Attributes
Chiosa is known for his excellent positioning and anticipation, which allows him to cut out opposition attacks before they become dangerous. He exhibits good tackling technique, often winning the ball cleanly without committing unnecessary fouls. His decision-making under pressure is a notable trait; he tends to clear the ball effectively when necessary, minimizing risks in dangerous areas. He is not prone to rash challenges, preferring to maintain defensive shape and shepherd opponents away from goal (FBref: Marco Chiosa Stats).
Distribution and Build-up
While primarily a defender, Chiosa possesses a competent left foot that he uses for short to medium-range passes. He is capable of initiating attacks from the back, often looking for simple, accurate passes to central midfielders or full-backs to retain possession and transition play. His distribution is generally low-risk, prioritizing ball retention and defensive stability over ambitious, long-range passes. This makes him a reliable component in a team's build-up play, ensuring the ball progresses safely from the defensive third.
Leadership and Experience
Having played extensively in Serie B and Serie C, Chiosa brings a wealth of experience to his teams. He often communicates effectively with his defensive partners and goalkeeper, organizing the backline and ensuring tactical cohesion. His presence provides a sense of calm and organization, particularly in high-pressure situations. He can be compared to defenders such as Andrea Ranocchia or Federico Barba in terms of his reliable, no-frills defensive approach and leadership qualities within the lower leagues of Italian football (Sofascore: Marco Chiosa statistics and transfer history).
Achievements & honours
Marco Chiosa's career has been marked by consistent performances and contributions to his teams, particularly in the Italian lower leagues. While he has not accumulated a large number of major club trophies, his presence has been instrumental in defensive stability for the clubs he has represented. His most significant honors come from his time in youth international football, where he represented Italy at various levels.
International Youth Honours
Chiosa was a regular fixture in the Italian youth national teams, showcasing his potential from an early age. He has represented Italy at the U19 and U20 levels, participating in significant youth tournaments. Notably, he was part of the Italy U20 squad that competed in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. Italy reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they were defeated by Uruguay (FIFA: FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013 - Italy vs Uruguay). Chiosa made several appearances during this competition, gaining valuable experience on the international stage.
Club Milestones
While individual club honors have been less frequent, Chiosa has been a key player in teams that have achieved promotion or maintained their league status in challenging divisions. His consistent presence in Serie B over multiple seasons is a testament to his reliability and quality as a defender in a competitive league. He has been part of squads that have successfully navigated the demands of both Serie B and Serie C, contributing significantly to their defensive records.
Trophy Overview
| Club / National Team | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Italy U20 | FIFA U-20 World Cup (Quarter-finalist) | 2013 |
International career
Marco Chiosa has represented Italy at various youth levels, showcasing his defensive talents on the international stage. His international career primarily revolved around the U19 and U20 national teams, where he gained significant experience against top young players from around the world.
Italy U19
Chiosa earned his first international call-ups with the Italy U19 squad. He participated in qualification campaigns for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, playing a role in the team's defensive setup. These early appearances allowed him to develop his game against international opposition and adapt to different tactical approaches.
Italy U20 & FIFA U-20 World Cup
His most notable international involvement came with the Italy U20 national team. Chiosa was a key member of the squad that qualified for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Turkey. He was a regular starter for the Azzurrini throughout the tournament, playing a crucial role in their journey to the quarter-finals. During the group stage, he featured in matches against Brazil and Mali (FIFA: FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013 - Italy vs Brazil; FIFA: FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013 - Italy vs Mali). In the Round of 16, he was part of the team that defeated hosts Turkey before facing Uruguay in the quarter-finals, where Italy was eventually eliminated after a 1-0 defeat (FIFA: FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013 - Italy vs Uruguay). Chiosa's participation in this prestigious tournament provided him with invaluable experience at a high competitive level, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure on a global stage. He accumulated 18 caps for the Italy U20 team, underlining his consistent presence and importance within that age group.
Despite his extensive youth international career, Chiosa has not received a call-up to the senior Italy national football team. His career trajectory has seen him primarily feature in Serie B and Serie C, highly competitive leagues but often a step below the top tier where senior national team selections are typically made.
What makes Marco Chiosa stand out
Marco Chiosa stands out primarily for his unwavering defensive consistency and tactical intelligence. In an era where many defenders are increasingly judged on their offensive contributions, Chiosa remains a specialist in the art of defending. His ability to maintain a strong defensive line, make crucial interceptions, and effectively win individual duels makes him a cornerstone of any backline. He rarely gets caught out of position and excels at anticipating play, often nullifying threats before they fully materialize.
Another distinctive trait is his leadership and experience. Having navigated the rigors of Serie B and Serie C for over a decade, Chiosa brings a calm and authoritative presence to the pitch. He is known for his communication with teammates, organizing the defense, and ensuring tactical discipline, particularly valuable in high-stakes matches. His career trajectory, marked by steady progression and consistent performance across multiple clubs in demanding leagues, speaks volumes about his professional attitude and enduring quality.
"Chiosa is a defender who understands his role implicitly. He brings solidity and intelligence to the back, always putting the team's defensive needs first."