Gianluca Frabotta: A curious West Brom year of six cameos | OneFootball

Gianluca Frabotta’s West Brom career amounted to a year of six substitute cameos, then a swift exit that left plenty of intrigue.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the left back arrived from Juventus after interest from QPR earlier in the window. He had played for the Italian giants, even featuring alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and initially moved from Bologna to Juventus C.

Loan spells preceded Albion’s move in a summer of change under new owner Shilen Patel. With Conor Townsend sold to Ipswich Town, many expected him to start at left back, yet Torbjorn Heggem was used there instead of his natural central role and Frabotta was left out.

He turned out a few times for the under 21s and the fee was undisclosed, which only added to the curiosity around a player rarely seen. Supporters’ calls for more minutes seemed rooted in his pedigree and scarcity of action. A social media account promoting him, thought by some to be a relative, made no difference.

Across two permanent managers and two interims he never made headway, and 12 months into a three-year deal he departed by mutual consent. By then it felt clear he was not at the required level.

Late in summer 2025 he signed for Serie B side Cesena, returning to Italy. It appears to have suited all parties, and certainly the player. He has made 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and recording one assist.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com