Marco DI COSTANZO

After a positive trial, Marco Di Costanzo, out of contract, joined Stade Rennais on a free during the summer of 1997. Developed at Nice, this very attack-minded midfielder had started his professional career under Manager Emon at OGC Nice in 1991. But unconvincing on the Côte d’Azur, he left France to try his luck with teams in Serie B and Serie C back home in his native Italy. At Rennes, his debut was less than impressive in a 0-3 defeat at Lyon at the beginning of August, and it took him until the end of September to be named on the team-sheet by boss David. In just 6 minutes of action against Bastia, he scored the crucial second goal in a 2-0 and was logically given a start in the next away game at Auxerre. Just before half-time, he was sent off, and effectively lost the confidence of his bosses. His last three starts were purely down to the fact that the Red and Blacks Manager had no other attacking options with the first-choice strikers absent. During the winter transfer window, he was loaned out to a club in Israël, and replaced by a certain Diawara…