Marco Marchionni (; born 22 July 1980) is an Italian professional football coach and former Italian professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He is the current head coach of club Novara. A versatile player, he was capable of playing in several midfield positions, and has been deployed as a right winger, as an attacking midfielder, and even as a central midfielder in his later career. A right-footed player, his main attributes are his pace, technique, and dribbling skills, as well as his crossing and playmaking ability, which make him an effective assist provider. Club career Early career Marchionni began his professional career with Empoli F.C. in 1998, from CND team Monterotondo; he won the Torneo di Viareggio in 2000 with the youth side. He spent three seasons at the club only to leave the team for Parma in 2001, where he won the 2001–02 Coppa Italia, though he only played in the first leg of the final. He played little during his first two years at Parma, and was loaned to Italian club Piacenza for the second half of the 2002–03 season, in order to get more playing time, experience, and increase his skills. His performances were convincing enough that he was recalled back to Parma and included in the first team for the 2003–04 season. In 2003–04, under Cesare Prandelli, who was renowned for his affinity for young players, Marchionni blossomed under his guidance. That season Marchionni become a revelation in the league and made his career breakthrough, with 35 games played and 6 goals scored in Serie A and UEFA Cup. His performances earned him his first call-up with the Italian senior side. The following season was also a positive one, with 32 games played and 6 goals scored. The 2005–06 season was by far Marchionni's best with Parma: he gave great contributions to the team's gameplay, including many assists and many instances of "playmaking". He finished the season with 31 appearances and 4 goals, helping Parma avoid relegation. His talent and relatively young age attracted the keen eyes of the Juventus scouts, and the team did not delay in signing him from Parma. Marchionni joined his new team on free transfer in June 2006. Juventus In 2006–07, Marchionni agreed to play with Juventus in Serie B, and under manager Didier Deschamps, he immediately helped his team to win the title, and gain Serie A promotion that