CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Wednesday the signing of goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi. The former Inter Milan youth player will be added to the club’s roster upon the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Paolo has come in, performed at a high level and worked to earn a roster spot with us this preseason,” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “Paolo has a lot of potential for growth in this league. He is a talented kid who will push Sean Johnson and Jay Nolly in each training session.”
Tornaghi began his career as a youth with famed Italian side Inter Milan in 2004. The 23-year-old ‘keeper began loan spells from the Nerazzuri in 2008, spending two stints with Serie C side Como during the 2008-09 season and more recently during the 2010-11 campaign where he appeared in six league and two Coppa Italia matches. The Inter product spent the 2009-10 season on loan with northern Italian side, Rimini, where he appeared in two league matches and one Coppa Italia match.
An Italian youth international, Tornaghi appeared for the Azzuri at every level from U16-U20 and was part of the Italian side that participated in the 2005 FIFA U17 World Youth Championships in Peru. Tornaghi is the first Italian-born player to sign with the Fire in the club’s 15-year history.
The Fire host Opening Day at Toyota Park against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, March 24 at 7:30 PM CT. Chicago Fire Season Tickets are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473), via Ticketmaster or by heading to the club’s official website at Chicago-Fire.com.
Name: Paolo Tornaghi
Pronunciation: TOR-nah-GEE
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 175 lbs.
Date of Birth: June 21, 1988
Place of Birth: Garbagnate Milanese, Italy
Hometown: Milan, Italy
Citizenship: Italy (international roster)
Last Club: Inter Milan (ITA)
Acquired: Signed on March 7, 2012
