Zukanovic: 10 facts you need to know

1. Ervin Zukanovic was born on February 11, 1987 in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo.

2. Before moving to Serie A in 2014, he played in four different countries - Bosnia, Austria, Germany and Belgium.

3. The versatile defender, who can play at centre-back or left-back, began his career with Zeljeznicar in his home country.

4. He was signed up by Austria Lustenau where he spent one season before a move to Belgium beckoned.

5. For the next 3 seasons, Ervin plied his trade in Belgium before getting a big move to Gent, one of the biggest clubs in the country.

6. After impressing for Gent, Zukanovic was rewarded with a call-up to the Bosnian and Herzegovina national side - earning the first of his 12 International caps against Greece in a World Cup 2014 qualifier.

7. Roma fans can follow Ervin’s official Instagram account @ezuka1987.

8. After a season with Chievo Verona, the 28-year-old Bosnian was picked up by Sampdoria for a fee of around €2.9 million. Ervin revealed Inter were also chasing his signature, but said Sampdoria was “best for my career”.

9. Measuring 1.89m, he has a great record in front of goal – finding the net 21 times throughout his career. In fact, Ervin is the highest scoring defender in Italy this season with 3 goals.

10. Ervin wears the number 87 for the year of his birth.