Four weeks before the loan deal expires between VfB and Juventus Turin, the Bundesliga club have made use of their option to take Molinaro on a full contract and have secured the services of the Italian until summer 2014. In January 2010, the left full-back moved to the Wasen on a loan deal from Juventus. Molinaro immediately impressed at the training camp and quickly found a place in the starting eleven. The 26 year old settled in quickly at the club and has been eagerly learning German ever since.
Two assists in VfB debut
The left-footer, who was born close to Naples, made his debut in an 8-0 friendly win over FC Cartagena and provided the telling passes for two of the goals. Since then, the dynamic full-back has been an ever present in Christian Gross' side and in 17 games in the second half of the season, the Italian started on each occasion and was substitutes just once. Against FC Barcelona in the Champions League ‘Round of 16', the Italian did an impressive job on marking superstar Lionel Messi and played an important role in VfB securing a 1-1 draw. His open and sympathetic character has seen him develop into a favourite among both team mates and fans alike.
"A leader in the latter half of the season"
"We are very happy that we have been able to bind Cristian to us in the long term. It's certainly not self-explanatory that a top player from Juventus Turin should move to the Bundesliga. Cristian is one of the best left full-backs in the league and he integrated with us here immediately. He was a leader in the latter half of the season and had a part to play in us being the best team through the second half of the campaign," said Jochen Schneider, sport director.
