Vito Mannone Explained

Vito Mannone
Full Name:Vito Mannone[1]
Birth Date:2 March 1988[2]
Birth Place:Desio, Italy
Height:1.89 m
Position:Goalkeeper
Currentclub:Lille
Clubnumber:1
Youthyears1:2003–2005
Youthclubs1:Atalanta
Youthyears2:2005–2006
Youthclubs2:Arsenal
Years1:2006–2013
Clubs1:Arsenal
Caps1:15
Goals1:0
Years2:2006
Clubs2:Barnsley (loan)
Caps2:2
Goals2:0
Years3:2010–2011
Clubs3:Hull City (loan)
Caps3:10
Goals3:0
Years4:2012
Clubs4:Hull City (loan)
Caps4:21
Goals4:0
Years5:2013–2017
Clubs5:Sunderland
Caps5:67
Goals5:0
Years6:2017–2020
Clubs6:Reading
Caps6:47
Goals6:0
Years7:2019
Clubs7:Minnesota United (loan)
Caps7:34
Goals7:0
Years8:2020
Clubs8:Esbjerg fB (loan)
Caps8:12
Goals8:0
Years9:2020–2022
Clubs9:Monaco
Caps9:9
Goals9:0
Years10:2022–2023
Clubs10:Lorient
Caps10:18
Goals10:0
Years11:2023–
Clubs11:Lille
Caps11:2
Goals11:0
Nationalyears1:2009–2010
Nationalteam1:Italy U21
Nationalcaps1:7
Nationalgoals1:0
Club-Update:07:59, 12 June 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:12 October 2010

Vito Mannone (born 2 March 1988) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Ligue 1 club Lille.

Born in Desio, Mannone was a member of Atalanta's academy before moving to England in 2005, joining Arsenal. He made his Arsenal debut in 2009 and made eight appearances in 2009–10 before spending two loan spells with Hull City. He left Arsenal in 2013 for Sunderland. In his first season, he won the club's Player of the Year award as Sunderland reached the League Cup final. He spent four seasons with Sunderland before moving to Reading in 2017. Mannone moved on loan to Minnesota United and Esbjerg before leaving permanently in 2020. Mannone moved to France, playing for Monaco and Lorient. He joined Lille in 2023.

He has also represented Italy at U21 level.

Early career

Born in Desio, Lombardy, from Sicilian parents,[3] Mannone was signed by Arsène Wenger during the summer of 2005, joining Arsenal from Atalanta on a three-year deal for a £350,000 compensation fee.[4] [5] [6] He made his Arsenal debut in a pre-season friendly against Barnet on 16 July 2005, as Arsenal ran out 4–1 winners.

Club career

Arsenal

Early career

On 18 August 2006, Mannone was sent out on a three-month loan to Championship club Barnsley, where he was expected to challenge Nick Colgan for the number-one spot.[7] He made his debut in the League Cup against Blackpool on 22 August 2006. After a 2–2 draw, the game went to a penalty shootout in which Mannone saved a penalty from Keigan Parker to help his team through to the next round.[8] However Mannone's time at Barnsley was ultimately not a happy one. Making his league debut in an away game to Preston North End on 22 September, he came on as a substitute after Colgan was sent off. He punched a cross onto Patrick Agyemang's head and the ball bounced in for the winning goal to Preston.[9] In his next match, starting in place of the suspended Colgan, against Luton Town, he dropped a cross late on and Ahmet Brković scored the winner.

After suffering a knee injury, Mannone's loan period was cut short and he returned to Arsenal on 23 October 2006 for treatment.[10]

He was linked with a loan move to then newly promoted Scottish Premier League side Gretna in the summer of 2007, but that move fell through.[11]

Mannone was understudy to Łukasz Fabiański during Arsenal's 2007–08 League Cup campaign. However, he was an unused substitute in all of the club's five matches in the competition, before they were knocked-out in the semi-finals by North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. On 19 December 2007, Arsenal announced that Mannone had signed a new long-term contract.[12] On 19 April 2008, he was named on the bench for a Premier League game for the first time, in Arsenal's 2–0 win against Reading at the Emirates Stadium. But he was an unused substitute as Jens Lehmann played the entire match.

2008–2012

Following the departure of Jens Lehmann in the summer of 2008, Mannone became Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper, behind Manuel Almunia and Łukasz Fabiański. Mannone changed his shirt number from 40 to 24 at the beginning of the 2008–09 season, after Manuel Almunia (the previous owner) was given the number 1. On 19 July 2008, he was brought on for the second half of Arsenal's 2–1 pre-season friendly win over Barnet at Underhill, keeping a clean sheet. He made a total of four pre-season appearances for Arsenal's first team in the summer of 2008, coming on as a half-time substitute in all of them.

He finally made his competitive debut for Arsenal's first team in their final match of the 2008–09 season, a Premier League fixture at home to Stoke City on 24 May 2009. Arsenal won the game 4–1.[13]

With first choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and back-up Łukasz Fabiański out injured, Mannone made his first UEFA Champions League start against Standard Liège, in Arsenal's first group stage match on 16 September 2009. Mannone's night got off to a poor start, conceding twice within the first five minutes: first from a shot from outside of the box by Eliaquim Mangala which beat Mannone at the near post and then a penalty converted by Milan Jovanović after he was brought down by William Gallas. However, Arsenal recovered to win the match 3–2, after goals from Nicklas Bendtner, Thomas Vermaelen and Eduardo.[14]

Mannone made his second Premier League appearance against Wigan Athletic on 19 September 2009. He kept a clean sheet in a 4–0 victory for Arsenal.[15] Mannone also kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage on 26 September 2009, in which he pulled off many good saves and almost single-handedly kept Arsenal in the game.[16] Mannone said the game was the highlight of his career.[17] He again kept a clean sheet in the 2–0 victory over Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League on 29 September 2009. On 17 October 2009, Mannone was selected as the starting keeper over the previous mainstay, Almunia, who had been overlooked after missing through illness; this was seen as a vote of confidence for Mannone after people had previously questioned his and Almunia's future in the first team.

On 25 January 2010, Mannone signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, setting his sight to become Arsenal's first choice goalkeeper.[18]

On 18 October 2010, Mannone joined Championship side Hull City on loan until 3 January 2011.[19] On 27 October 2010, Mannone played his first game with Hull City against Scunthorpe United in a reserve match in which Hull won 3–0. Mannone was reported to have made a few great saves.[20] He made his first team debut on13 November 2010 against Preston North End, where he kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 victory.[21] He also kept another clean sheet against Ipswich Town on his home debut in which the game ended in a 1–0 victory for Hull. He had a good spell with Hull, keeping 4 clean sheets in 7 games and also saved a penalty against Reading. On 31 December 2010, he returned to Arsenal after a thigh injury, but rejoined Hull on loan until the end of the season.[22] He returned from injury on 5 March 2011, in a 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.[23]

Mannone returned to Arsenal as third choice behind the two Polish keepers, Wojciech Szczęsny and Łukasz Fabiański. His first competitive appearance of the 2011–12 season came on 6 December 2011 against Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League, replacing the injured Lukasz Fabiański. Mannone made a blunder that allowed David Fuster to score Olympiakos' second goal of the night and Arsenal eventually lost the game 3–1.

Later career

Mannone returned to Hull City on 4 January 2012, signing on loan until the end of the season.[24] His first game back at the KC Stadium was an FA Cup third round match against Ipswich Town, with Hull City winning 3–1. His first league game was a 1–0 away win over Reading. He then played in the FA Cup fourth round match against Crawley Town which ended in a surprise 1–0 defeat for Hull, during which he was announced as Man of the Match. He then kept a clean sheet over Doncaster in a goalless draw at the KC Stadium on 31 January.

Due to injuries to both Wojciech Szczęsny and Łukasz Fabiański, Mannone was the first choice goalkeeper, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw against Stoke City, and keeping another clean sheet a week later against Liverpool at Anfield. Mannone also played in a 1–1 draw against Manchester City on 23 September. Due to his performances this season Mannone stated he was ready to challenge Szczęsny for the number one spot. He effectively succeeded Fabiański for the number two spot.[25]

In March, with Szczęsny rested for a few matches and Mannone injured, Fabiański filled in. Fabiański's performances got him promoted to reserve, pushing Mannone down to third choice.

Sunderland

2013–2015

On 3 July 2013, Mannone signed a two-year contract with Sunderland, for an undisclosed fee.[26] Mannone started both of Sunderland's matches in the Premier League Asia Trophy in pre-season, but Keiren Westwood was preferred to him for the opening league game of the season against Fulham. After featuring in the League Cup, Mannone made his league debut for the Black Cats in a 1–0 loss at Hull, replacing the injured Westwood. Mannone retained his place for a 2–1 cup win over Southampton, and made his first league start in a 1–0 home win over Manchester City.[27]

In the second leg of the semi-final tie against Manchester United in the League Cup, Mannone saved two penalties in the penalty shoot out at the end of the extra time that helped Sunderland qualify for the final at Wembley against Manchester City.[28]

On 22 April 2014, Mannone was named the Sunderland Supporters' Player of the Year at a special presentation night at the Stadium of Light.[29] On 29 May 2014, he was named the club's Player of the Year.[30]

Mannone began the 2014–15 season as first choice, but after a series of poor performances culminating in an 8–0 loss at Southampton and a 2–0 home defeat at Arsenal the following week he was dropped in favour of Costel Pantilimon.[31] Pantilimon remained first choice for the rest of the season, with Mannone only featuring in cup games and in a 3–1 defeat at Chelsea on the final day.

2015–2017

On 26 December 2015, Mannone started ahead of Pantilimon in a 4–1 defeat at Manchester City. He retained his place in the following match, a 1–0 home defeat to Liverpool, and was praised by manager Sam Allardyce after the game.[32] After Pantilimon was transferred to Watford in January 2016, Mannone remained first choice over Jordan Pickford for the rest of the season, as Sunderland fought an ultimately successful battle against relegation, with their safety eventually being confirmed with a 3–0 home victory over Everton on 11 May 2016.[33]

On 4 July 2016, Mannone signed a new two-year contract with Sunderland.[34]

Reading

On 19 July 2017, Mannone moved to Reading for a fee of around £2 million.[35] signing a three-year contract.[36]

On 10 February 2019, Mannone joined Major League Soccer side Minnesota United on a one-year loan.[37] [38] On 24 October 2019, Mannone was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.[39]

On 31 January 2020, Mannone was loaned out to Danish Superliga club Esbjerg fB for the rest of the season.[40]

Monaco

On 11 September 2020, Mannone signed for Ligue 1 side Monaco on a two-year contract.[41]

Lorient

On 2 September 2022, Mannone joined Ligue 1 club Lorient on a one-year contract.[42] During his only season with Les Merlus, he collected five clean sheets in 20 appearances.[43]

Lille

On 29 August 2023, Mannone joined Ligue 1 side Lille on a permanent deal, signing a two-year contract.[44]

International career

On 13 November 2009, Mannone made his debut with the Italy U-21 team in a match against Hungary. He played seven matches in 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification.

Personal life

On 14 June 2015, Mannone married his girlfriend Fiorella.[45]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Arsenal2006–07Premier League0000000000
2007–08Premier League0000000000
2008–09Premier League1000000010
2009–10Premier League5000003080
2010–11Premier League0000000000
2011–12Premier League0000001010
2012–13Premier League90000040130
Total150000080230
Barnsley (loan)2006–07Championship20002040
Hull City (loan)2010–11Championship1000000100
Hull City (loan)2011–12Championship2102000230
Sunderland2013–14Premier League2901060360
2014–15Premier League1003000130
2015–16Premier League1900010200
2016–17Premier League90200020110
Total670607020800
Reading2017–18Championship4100000410
2018–19Championship60000060
2019–20Championship00000000
Total470000000470
Minnesota United (loan)2019Major League Soccer3405010400
Esbjerg fB (loan)2019–20Danish Superliga12010130
Monaco2020–21Ligue 1900090
2021–22Ligue 100200020
Total9020000000110
Lorient2022–23Ligue 118020200
Lille2023–24Ligue 110103050
Career total236019090110302780

Honours

Sunderland

Individual

2019[47]

2019[48]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/01/2010 and 31/01/2010. The Football Association. 29 November 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121012025509/http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/RulesandRegulations/~/media/Files/PDF/TheFA/PlayerRegistrations/January%202010.ashx/January%202010.pdf . 12 October 2012 .
  2. Web site: Vito Mannone Profile . Premier League . 5 September 2020 .
  3. Web site: Vito Mannone è emigrato negli USA: nuovo portiere del Minnesota United. La Notizia Sportiva. 13 February 2019 .
  4. Web site: Gunners put rookie 'keeper Mannone in firing line for Liege clash. The Irish Independent.
  5. Web site: Vito Mannone. Arsenal F.C..
  6. Web site: Vito Mannone. Eurosport.com.
  7. News: Tykes loan for Gunners goalkeeper. BBC Sport. 18 August 2006. 18 August 2006.
  8. News: Blackpool 2 Barnsley 2 . barnsley-mad.co.uk . 22 August 2006 . 26 August 2012.
  9. News: Graham. Chase. Preston North End 1 Barnsley 0: Mannone misfortune gifts Preston the points. 26 September 2006. The Independent. London. 23 September 2006. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20061008054006/http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article1705670.ece. 8 October 2006.
  10. News: On-loan Mannone back at Arsenal. BBC Sport. 23 October 2006. 23 October 2006.
  11. Web site: No. 1 snag hits Gretna. icScotland. 31 July 2007.
  12. News: Young goalkeeper signs new contract . Arsenal F.C. . 19 December 2007 . 12 December 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120915001421/https://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/young-goalkeeper-signs-new-contract . 15 September 2012 .
  13. News: Arsenal 4–1 Stoke. BBC Sport. 24 May 2009. 18 August 2009. David. McIntyre.
  14. News: Standard Liege 2–3 Arsenal. BBC Sport. 16 September 2009. 30 March 2010.
  15. News: Dawkes . Phil. Arsenal 4–0 Wigan. BBC Sport. 19 September 2009. 27 April 2010.
  16. News: Stevenson. Jonathan. Fulham 0–1 Arsenal. BBC Sport. 26 September 2009. 27 April 2010.
  17. News: Mannone – Fulham the best game of my career . Arsenal F.C. . 28 September 2009 . 12 December 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091001152332/https://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/mannone-fulham-the-best-game-of-my-career . 1 October 2009 .
  18. News: Goalkeeper Vito Mannone signs new Arsenal contract. BBC Sport. 25 January 2010. 25 January 2010.
  19. News: Tigers Bring in Italian Stopper. Hull City A.F.C. 18 October 2010. 10 June 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20120410095431/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10338~2188181,00.html. 10 April 2012.
  20. News: Hull City: Rosenior and Mannone impress in reserves' win over Scunthorpe. Hull Daily Mail. 28 October 2010. 28 October 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20101030052145/http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/hullcity/Rosenior-Mannone-impress-Tigers-win-Scunthorpe/article-2810433-detail/article.html. 30 October 2010.
  21. News: Preston 0–2 Hull . BBC Sport . 13 November 2010 . 13 November 2010.
  22. News: Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone back at Hull City on loan . BBC Sport . 7 January 2011 . 7 January 2011.
  23. News: Nott'm Forest 0 – 1 Hull . BBC Sport . 5 March 2011 . 5 March 2011.
  24. News: Hull City re-sign Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone. BBC Sport. 4 January 2012. 5 January 2012.
  25. News: Vito Mannone hopes to challenge Wojciech Szczesny for Arsenal number one spot . The Independent. 19 September 2012. 14 November 2012. London.
  26. News: Sunderland complete deal for Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone. Sky Sports. 3 July 2013. 3 July 2013.
  27. News: Sunderland 1–0 Man City. BBC Sport. 10 November 2013.
  28. News: Man Utd 2–1 Sunderland. BBC Sport. 22 January 2014.
  29. News: Duo Scoop Awards. Sunderland A.F.C.. 22 April 2014.
  30. News: Official award winners confirmed. Sunderland A.F.C.. 29 May 2014.
  31. Web site: Crystal Palace vs Sunderland team news: Vito Mannone and Wes Brown. . 3 November 2014.
  32. Web site: Sam Allardyce praises Vito Mannone as the Italian almost earned Sunderland a point against Liverpool. James. Hunter. 1 January 2016.
  33. Web site: Sunderland's Vito Mannone says Italy call would be a 'dream come true'. James. Hunter. 14 May 2016.
  34. Web site: Vito Mannone signs new two-year deal with Sunderland. 4 July 2016 .
  35. News: Vito Mannone: Reading sign Sunderland goalkeeper in £2m deal. BBC Sport. 19 July 2017. 19 July 2017.
  36. Web site: Mannone signs for the Royals. Reading F.C.. 19 July 2017. 19 July 2017.
  37. Web site: MNUFC Signs Vito Mannone . Minnesota United FC . 10 February 2019 . 10 February 2019.
  38. News: Vito Mannone: Reading's former Arsenal goalkeeper joins Minnesota United on loan. 11 February 2019. BBC Sport.
  39. Web site: Minnesota United's Vito Mannone voted Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year . Major League Soccer . 24 October 2019 . 24 October 2019.
  40. https://www.efb.dk/efb-henter-vito-mannone/ EfB henter Vito Mannone
  41. News: Vito Mannone joins AS Monaco . 11 September 2020 . AS Monaco . 11 September 2020.
  42. Web site: VITO MANNONE ARRIVE AU FC LORIENT . fclweb.fr . FC Lorient . 16 September 2022 . French . 2 September 2022.
  43. Web site: 29 August 2023 . Vito Mannone (Lorient) officialisé à Lille . 30 August 2023 . L'Équipe . fr-FR.
  44. Web site: 29 August 2023 . Le gardien italien Vito Mannone rejoint le LOSC . 30 August 2023 . Lille OSC . fr-FR.
  45. Web site: Vito Mannone . Twitter . 13 June 2016 . 30 October 2019 .
  46. Web site: V. MANNONE . Soccerway . Perform Group.
  47. Web site: Rodriguez . Alicia . Minnesota United's Vito Mannone voted Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year . . 24 October 2019 . 24 October 2019.
  48. Web site: 2019 MLS Best XI. Major League Soccer. 28 October 2019. 28 October 2019.