Mark Bresciano

Mark "Marco" Bresciano (born on February 11, 1980 in Melbourne) is an Australian football (soccer) midfielder, who currently plays for Parma in Italy's Serie A. Previous clubs include Carlton (1998-99) in Australia and Empoli (1999-2002) in Italy, from which he joined Parma in the summer of 2002 for around €8 million. In 2003/2004, Bresciano scored the most goals of any midfielder in the Italian Serie A. Marco Bresciano is one of Australia's most talented footballers and has a renowned eye for goal. He usually plays his football on the left side slotted in the midfield but can also play as a forward and in the central midfield role. Bresciano is a very versatile player who often assists in both attack and defence and is also a set-piece specialtist.

His correct first name is Mark and not, as is often reported, "Marco". He told Australian magazine Inside Sport: "In Australia it’s Marco. In Italy, it’s Mark. Work that one out. My birth certificate says Mark. But I’m named after my grandfather Marco. I like Marco but not Mark-O. I prefer Mark." His father is Italian and his mother is Croatian.

He has played for the Australian national team and has also represented Australia at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Bresciano and fellow Parma midfielder Vince Grella were excused from the 2005 Confederations Cup by the then Australian manager Frank Farina to allow them to take part in a relegation playoff between Parma and Bologna. Bresciano has also played with Grella at Carlton and Empoli prior to the pair being reunited in 2004 when Grella joined Parma from Empoli.

On November 16, 2005, Bresciano scored the only goal in the Socceroos' home (second) leg of their

qualification playoff against Uruguay. The playoff would end 1-1 on aggregate after extra time, and the Socceroos won the ensuing penalty shootout to advance to the World Cup. Bresciano played in Australia's opening game of the tournament, being substituted before the team went on to score three goals and defeat Japan.

Bresciano has scored 7 goals in 25 appearances for Australia (as of June 2006).