Defensive stalwart Nicolò Casale, born on the 14th of February 1998 in the picturesque landscape of Italy, is a footballer currently serving the midfield for Bologna. Towering over many at a height of 6ft 3in (1.91m) and weighing in at a sturdy 12st 12lb (82kg), he's certainly not one to go unnoticed on the pitch, often seen donning the number 16 jersey. Casale, now age 27, has a current market value of a respectable £4.5m, according to Transfermarkt.
His rise to prominence began back in July 2015 when Casale put on the Hellas Verona jersey, marking his first stepping stone in Serie A. He held onto the opportunity tightly, despite only making a single appearance in the first team during the 2016 - 2017 season. Yet, time would prove to be on his side as by the 2021 - 2022 season, he secured 36 appearances for Hellas Verona. Casale's growth was as apparent as the Serie A's reputation for fostering talent.
In pursuit of more playtime, Casale briefly transferred on loan to Perugia and Prato in Serie C, and then to Sudtirol in Serie B. Yet it was at Venezia, again on a loan spell with the Serie B in 2019, where he substantially increased his game time with 20 first team appearances.
After some thrilling seasons out on loan, Casale returned to Hellas Verona, his development clear with 36 appearances in the 2021 - 2022 season. Yet, as expected in the ever-changing game of football, in October 2020, he was again loaned out, this time to Empoli, where he even managed to score a goal in his 24 appearances.
Casale's circuitous journey then took him to the popular Serie A team Lazio. The move cost around £6.3m and proved his worth with 29 appearances and a goal in his owning season there. His playtime declined slightly in the following seasons, leading to a loan transfer to Bologna in the Serie A in August 2024.
This move seemed to suit him well, making 15 appearances in the first season, prompting Bologna to secure a permanent transfer in July 2025 for a price tag of £5.5m. As of the 2025 - 2026 season, Casale has played eight games for Bologna and even had a single start in the Europa League.
For those familiar with the versatility and stone wall-like quality brought by Casale to the pitch, it's no surprise he has found his place in the football world. He remains a player to watch, epitomising the integrity and fortitude of Italian football.
