Cristiano Biraghi: Powerful Rise of Italy’s Left-Back

Introdution

Cristiano Biraghi is an Italian professional footballer known for his accurate left foot, dangerous crosses, set-piece ability and leadership. He has represented major Italian clubs, captained Fiorentina and played for the Italy national team.

His career was not built through one sudden breakthrough. He developed through academy football, accepted several loan moves and gradually became an experienced Serie A defender.

As of June 2026, he is a Torino player and wears shirt number 34.

Quick Bio

Field	Details
Full Name	Cristiano Biraghi
Date of Birth	1 September 1992
Age	33 years old
Birthplace	Cernusco sul Naviglio, Italy
Nationality	Italian
Profession	Professional footballer
Position	Left-back
Other Positions	Left midfield and centre-back
Preferred Foot	Left
Height	Approximately 1.85 metres
Current Club	Torino FC
Shirt Number	34
Senior Italy Appearances	16
Senior Italy Goals	1
Contract	Two-year Torino agreement signed in June 2025

The official Torino player profile confirms his current squad position, shirt number and 2025–26 appearance record.

Who Is Cristiano Biraghi?

Cristiano Biraghi is a left-sided defender who has spent most of his senior career in Italian football. He is best known for his long period with Fiorentina, where he became captain and helped the club return to major European competition.

He has also represented Inter, Juve Stabia, Cittadella, Catania, Chievo, Granada, Pescara and Torino.

His journey is different from the rapid rise of younger Italian midfielders such as Nicolò Fagioli. Biraghi needed several loan spells before becoming a regular top-level player.

His strongest years came at Fiorentina, where his crossing, free kicks and leadership made him an important figure both on and off the pitch.

Early Life and Football Development

Biraghi was born on 1 September 1992 in Cernusco sul Naviglio, a town in the metropolitan area of Milan.

He began developing as a footballer at a young age and spent time in the Atalanta and Inter youth systems. Inter became the most important club in his early development.

He progressed through different academy levels and eventually reached Inter’s Primavera side. His performances helped him move closer to senior football.

This development period taught him how to play in several roles. He began with experience further forward before becoming established as a left-back.

Professional Debut with Inter

Biraghi made his professional debut for Inter on 24 November 2010.

He entered a UEFA Champions League match against FC Twente while still only 18 years old. Appearing in Europe at such a young age was an important first step, although regular senior football did not arrive immediately.

Inter had experienced players competing for places, so Biraghi needed to continue his development elsewhere.

He later followed the type of patient defensive pathway also seen in the career of Alessandro Buongiorno, another Italian defender who developed through competitive loan and first-team environments.

Loan Spells and Serie A Experience

Biraghi joined Juve Stabia for the 2011–12 season and made 11 Serie B appearances.

He then moved to Cittadella, where he gained more regular playing time. Torino’s career record lists 33 league appearances for him during the 2012–13 campaign.

His first Serie A opportunity came with Catania. He made his top-flight debut against Livorno on 15 September 2013 and completed the season with 23 league appearances.

A spell with Chievo followed before he moved outside Italy to join Granada in Spain. He played 32 La Liga matches during the 2015–16 season, gaining useful experience in a different football culture.

In 2016, he joined Pescara. Torino later credited him with 37 appearances, one goal and four assists in all competitions for the club.

Fiorentina Career and Breakthrough

Biraghi joined Fiorentina in 2017 and soon established himself as the club’s main left-back.

His ability to move forward, deliver crosses and take set pieces gave Fiorentina an attacking option from defence. He also became known for his fitness and willingness to cover the full length of the left side.

The relationship between Biraghi and Fiorentina continued for several seasons, apart from his temporary return to Inter in 2019–20.

Fiorentina later trusted him with the captain’s armband. This role reflected his experience, communication and importance within the dressing room.

The club also became an important platform for younger midfielders such as Edoardo Bove, showing Fiorentina’s continued role in developing and supporting Italian talent.

By February 2025, Torino credited Biraghi with 266 Fiorentina appearances, 15 goals and 41 assists across domestic and European competitions.

Return to Inter

Biraghi returned to Inter on loan for the 2019–20 season.

The move was personally meaningful because Inter had played a major role in his childhood and academy development.

He received regular playing time under Antonio Conte and operated as a left wing-back in a system that required defensive discipline and attacking movement.

Inter reached the UEFA Europa League final that season. Although the club lost to Sevilla, the campaign gave Biraghi valuable experience in high-pressure European matches.

After the loan ended, he returned to Fiorentina and resumed his important position within the team.

European Finals with Fiorentina

Fiorentina’s return to European football became one of the most important periods of Biraghi’s career.

As captain, he helped the club reach the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final against West Ham United. Fiorentina lost 2–1 after conceding a late goal.

The club returned to the final in 2024 but suffered another narrow defeat, losing 1–0 after extra time against Olympiacos.

Despite those defeats, Biraghi’s individual performances received recognition. UEFA selected him in the Conference League Team of the Season for both 2022–23 and 2023–24.

He also finished the 2022–23 Conference League campaign with five assists, placing him among the competition’s leading creative players.

Move to Torino

Torino signed Biraghi from Fiorentina on loan on 3 February 2025, with an option to make the transfer permanent.

The move gave him a fresh opportunity after a long and important period in Florence.

Torino exercised the purchase option on 24 June 2025. Biraghi then signed a two-year contract with the club.

At Torino, he entered a squad containing players from different football backgrounds, including midfielder Tino Anjorin.

His experience was valuable for a team needing leadership, tactical understanding and quality from wide defensive positions.

Current Status in 2026

As of June 2026, Biraghi remains listed as a Torino first-team defender wearing number 34.

Torino’s official statistics record 14 Serie A appearances and 571 league minutes for him during the 2025–26 season. He also made one Coppa Italia appearance and played 90 minutes in that competition.

His role combines competition for a starting position with the responsibility of supporting younger squad members.

At 33, his game depends less on raw speed and more on positioning, delivery, experience and intelligent movement.

Italy National Team Career

Biraghi represented Italy at youth level before receiving his senior opportunity.

He made his senior international debut against Poland on 7 September 2018 in the UEFA Nations League.

His most memorable international moment came on 14 October 2018. He scored a late winning goal against Poland and dedicated it to former Fiorentina captain Davide Astori.

The official FIGC national-team record lists 16 appearances and one goal for Italy.

Playing Style

Biraghi is primarily an attacking left-back.

His most important quality is his left-footed delivery. He can cross from open play, create chances from corners and threaten the goal from direct free kicks.

He often moves high up the pitch to provide width while attacking players move into central positions. UEFA’s tactical analysis highlighted how his forward runs created space for Fiorentina’s wide players.

He is also comfortable playing as a wing-back when a team uses three central defenders.

Unlike a centre-back such as Jhon Lucumí, Biraghi’s main defensive role involves protecting the left channel while also contributing in advanced areas.

Leadership and Public Image

Biraghi developed a reputation as a serious and competitive professional during his time at Fiorentina.

Becoming captain placed him at the centre of the club’s relationship with supporters, teammates and coaching staff.

In a UEFA interview before the 2023 Conference League final, he spoke about Fiorentina’s development, the importance of improving every day and the club’s return to European competition.

His comments showed respect for opponents but also confidence in his team. He presented leadership as a shared responsibility rather than an individual status.

Major Career Achievements

• Made his professional debut in the UEFA Champions League at 18
• Established himself as a regular Serie A left-back
• Played 32 La Liga matches for Granada
• Became Fiorentina captain
• Reached the 2020 UEFA Europa League final with Inter
• Reached the 2023 Coppa Italia final with Fiorentina
• Reached two consecutive Conference League finals
• Selected in the Conference League Team of the Season twice
• Recorded five assists in the 2022–23 Conference League
• Earned 16 senior appearances for Italy
• Scored a winning international goal against Poland

Career Timeline

Year	Career Event
2010	Made senior Inter debut against Twente
2011	Joined Juve Stabia on loan
2012	Moved to Cittadella
2013	Made Serie A debut with Catania
2014	Joined Chievo
2015	Moved to Granada in Spain
2016	Joined Pescara
2017	Began his Fiorentina career
2018	Made senior Italy debut
2019	Returned to Inter on loan
2020	Played in the Europa League final
2023	Captained Fiorentina in two major finals
2024	Reached another Conference League final
2025	Joined Torino and completed a permanent move
2026	Remained part of Torino’s first-team squad

Interesting Facts

• He made his professional debut in the Champions League rather than Serie A.
• He played in both Serie A and La Liga.
• He became known for taking corners, free kicks and wide set pieces.
• His only senior Italy goal was a late match-winner.
• He dedicated that international goal to Davide Astori.
• He captained Fiorentina in consecutive European finals.
• UEFA selected him in two consecutive Conference League Teams of the Season.
• He returned to Inter almost nine years after making his senior debut for the club.
• Torino made his transfer permanent in June 2025.
• He wears number 34 for Torino.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Cristiano Biraghi?

He is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Torino.

How old is he?

He is 33 years old as of June 2026.

When was he born?

He was born on 1 September 1992.

Where was he born?

He was born in Cernusco sul Naviglio, Italy.

Which position does he play?

He primarily plays as a left-back but can also operate as a wing-back or left midfielder.

Which club does he play for?

He plays for Torino FC.

What is his Torino shirt number?

He wears shirt number 34.

Did he play for Inter?

Yes. He developed at Inter, made his senior debut there and returned on loan for the 2019–20 season.

Was he Fiorentina captain?

Yes. He became an important leader and captain during his long Fiorentina career.

How many times did he play for Italy?

FIGC records list 16 senior appearances and one goal.

What is his strongest football skill?

He is especially known for his left-footed crossing, set-piece delivery and attacking movement.

Did he play outside Italy?

Yes. He spent the 2015–16 season with Granada in Spain.

Conclusion

Cristiano Biraghi built his career through patience, regular development and a willingness to accept new challenges.

From Inter’s academy to loan spells, La Liga football, Fiorentina captaincy and European finals, each stage added experience to his game.

His crossing, set pieces and leadership became the qualities that defined his strongest years. His international goal for Italy and his European performances with Fiorentina remain major highlights.

As of June 2026, he continues his professional journey with Torino, bringing more than a decade of top-level experience to the club.