Overview
Simone Zaza is an Italian professional footballer born on June 25, 1991, in Policoro, Italy. Standing at 1.86 meters, he primarily operates as a forward, known for his physical attributes and powerful left-footed shot. Zaza has had a dynamic career spanning multiple top European leagues, including Serie A, the Premier League, and La Liga, representing various clubs and earning international recognition with the Italy national team. His playing style is characterized by a high work rate, a willingness to engage in physical duels with defenders, and an ability to score from both close range and outside the box.
Position
Zaza is predominantly a centre-forward. His role typically involves leading the line, holding up play, and acting as a focal point for attacks. He is adept at occupying central defenders, creating space for teammates, and providing a direct threat on goal. While his main position is striker, he has occasionally been deployed in a wider attacking role, though less frequently, due to his preference for central areas where he can best utilize his physicality and goalscoring instincts.
Identity
Simone Zaza's identity on the pitch is defined by his imposing physical presence, relentless energy, and a powerful left foot. He is often described as a 'target man' who combines aerial prowess with a surprising turn of pace for a player of his build. His aggressive approach to attacking and his commitment to pressing defenders from the front have made him a distinctive figure in the teams he has represented. Zaza's career has seen him become a player capable of moments of individual brilliance, often delivering crucial goals in important matches.
Career path
Simone Zaza's football journey began in the youth ranks of Atalanta, a club renowned for its academy. He progressed through their system before making his senior debut for the club in 2009. His early career involved a series of loan spells and transfers as he sought to establish himself, a common path for young Italian forwards. These included stints at Sampdoria, Juve Stabia, Viareggio, and Ascoli, where he gained valuable first-team experience across different divisions of Italian football.
Sassuolo
A significant turning point in Zaza's career came with his move to Sassuolo in 2013, initially on a co-ownership deal from Sampdoria, which later became a full transfer. It was at Sassuolo that Zaza truly began to showcase his potential, becoming a key attacking figure for the newly promoted Serie A side. His performances, characterized by powerful finishes and relentless effort, caught the attention of larger clubs. He scored 20 goals in 64 appearances across all competitions for Sassuolo during his tenure from 2013 to 2015, according to Transfermarkt.
Juventus and West Ham United
In 2015, Zaza earned a move to Italian giants Juventus. While his time in Turin was relatively short, he contributed to their Serie A title win in the 2015-16 season, scoring 5 goals in 19 league appearances. Seeking more regular first-team football, Zaza moved to West Ham United in the Premier League on loan for the 2016-17 season. His spell in England proved challenging, and he returned to Italy after failing to score in 11 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers, as per Transfermarkt.
Valencia and Torino
Following his return from West Ham, Zaza joined Valencia CF in La Liga, initially on loan in January 2017, which was made permanent later that year. He enjoyed a successful period in Spain, becoming a prominent goalscorer for the club, including a notable hat-trick against Málaga. Over two seasons with Valencia, he scored 19 goals in 59 appearances across all competitions. In 2018, Zaza moved back to Italy, joining Torino FC, where he spent several seasons. He remained with Torino until his departure in 2022, contributing to their attacking efforts in Serie A.
Playing style
Simone Zaza's playing style is built around his physical attributes and direct approach to goal. As a centre-forward, he is a significant aerial threat, adept at winning headers in both offensive and defensive situations. His height and strength allow him to effectively hold up the ball, bringing midfielders and wingers into play, a crucial aspect of his role as a target man. This ability to absorb pressure and retain possession under duress is a key component of his game.
Zaza possesses a powerful left-footed shot, capable of scoring from various distances. He is known for his willingness to shoot from outside the box and has a knack for finding the back of the net with unexpected efforts. His finishing inside the penalty area is often direct and clinical, relying on power and accuracy. According to FBref data from his time in Serie A and La Liga, Zaza consistently registered high numbers for shots per 90 minutes, indicating his direct approach to goal.
Beyond his goalscoring, Zaza's work rate is a defining characteristic. He is known for his relentless pressing of opposition defenders, contributing significantly to his team's defensive efforts from the front. This energetic approach can disrupt build-up play and force turnovers high up the pitch. While not primarily a dribbler, he can drive with the ball when given space, often using his strength to shrug off challenges. His movement off the ball is also intelligent, allowing him to find pockets of space in crowded penalty areas.
Comparisons in terms of playing style might draw parallels to forwards who combine physicality with a powerful shot and high work rate, such as a younger Luca Toni or Christian Vieri, though Zaza has forged his own unique identity. His commitment to the team's overall effort, both offensively and defensively, makes him a valuable asset, particularly in systems that favor a strong, dynamic central striker.
Achievements & honours
Simone Zaza has accumulated several team honours during his career, primarily during his time with Juventus, where he was part of a dominant period for the club in Italian football. His individual contributions, while not always leading to top-scorer awards, were often crucial in securing these collective successes.
His most significant club achievement came during the 2015-16 season with Juventus, where he played a role in securing the domestic double. Zaza's impactful goals, often coming from the bench, helped Juventus maintain their strong league form and advance in cup competitions.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Juventus | Serie A | 2015–16 |
| Juventus | Coppa Italia | 2015–16 |
While Zaza has not received numerous individual accolades, his consistent goalscoring for clubs like Sassuolo and Valencia demonstrated his capability as a reliable forward in top-tier leagues. His memorable goals and strong performances in key matches have contributed to his reputation as a player capable of making a significant impact when given the opportunity.
International career
Simone Zaza represented the Italy national team at senior level, earning 18 caps and scoring 2 goals. His international debut came on September 4, 2014, in a friendly match against the Netherlands, under then-manager Antonio Conte. He quickly established himself as a forward option for the Azzurri, valued for his physical presence and direct attacking style.
Zaza's first international goal came in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway on September 9, 2014, which Italy won 2-0. This goal was a significant moment, helping Italy secure a crucial victory in their qualification campaign. He was part of the Italy squad that competed at UEFA Euro 2016 in France. During the tournament, he made several appearances, primarily as a substitute, contributing to Italy's run to the quarter-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Germany after a penalty shootout. His second international goal was scored in a friendly against Germany in November 2016.
Despite his contributions, Zaza's international career saw periods of intermittent involvement, often competing with other established Italian forwards for a starting spot. His last appearance for the national team was in 2018, as Italy underwent a period of transition. His role for Italy was often that of an impact substitute or a physical presence to change the dynamic of a game, utilizing his strength and aerial ability against tired defenses. His international journey provided him with experience at the highest level of European football, competing against some of the world's best players, as detailed by his profile on FIFA's official website.
What makes Simone Zaza stand out
Simone Zaza stands out primarily due to his unique blend of raw power and technical proficiency, particularly with his left foot. His ability to hold up play against multiple defenders, shield the ball, and bring teammates into attacking phases is a key asset. This physical dominance is complemented by a surprisingly powerful and accurate shot, making him a constant threat from various ranges. He is not merely a static target man; his high work rate and aggressive pressing from the front make him a disruptive force for opposition defenses, embodying the modern forward's demand for defensive contributions.
Another distinctive trait is his knack for scoring important goals, often in high-pressure situations. While his overall goal tally might not always rival top-tier strikers, Zaza has a history of delivering decisive strikes that impact match outcomes. His passion and intensity on the pitch are also notable, often seen celebrating goals with fervent emotion, which resonates with fans and galvanizes his teammates. This emotional connection to the game, combined with his physical attributes, creates a compelling presence.
"Zaza is a forward who gives everything for the team. He's physical, he presses, and he has a powerful shot. He's a handful for any defender."