to the bench following the signing of Italian international Marco Amelia, only making his debut on 26 October 2008 as a half-time replacement to injured Amelia in a 1–3 home loss to ACF Fiorentina, a game that saw him being welcomed with a standing ovation from the whole stadium, a moment he later defined "the biggest emotion in my football career". He also played in the following match, against U.S. Lecce. In December 2008 Fontana was put out of the first-team squad, after disagreements with the club regarding his position in the squad – he was demoted to as low as third choice, behind Albanian youngster Samir Ujkani. Palermo chairman Maurizio Zamparini then confirmed to have formally authorized him to start searching a new club where he could play regularly, but the player eventually stayed until the end of the campaign, retiring shortly after. Personal life Fontana is not related to another football goalkeeper, also named Alberto Fontana, who also had an extensive professional career, also appearing for a host of clubs. As his footballing namesake, he was nicknamed Jimmy after singer Jimmy Fontana. Honours Inter Coppa Italia: 2004–05 References External links Gazzetta dello Sport profile (2006–07) 1967 births Living people People from Cesena Footballers from Emilia-Romagna Italian footballers Association football goalkeepers Serie A players Serie B players Serie C players A.C. Cesena players Vis Pesaro dal 1898 players S.P.A.L. players S.S.C. Bari players Atalanta B.C. players S.S.C. Napoli players Inter Milan players A.C. ChievoVerona players Palermo F.C. players Sportspeople from the Province of Forlì-Cesena