José Ignacio Castillo

José Ignacio Castillo Álvarez (born 11 April 1975) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a striker.

Career

Serie D A prolific striker, nicknamed Nacho, he moved in Italy in 2001 to join Serie D club Brindisi, offering a massive contribution to their promotion to Serie C2 thanks to 15 goals in 23 matches. Despite this, he was not initially allowed to try his luck into professional football due to his lack of a European Union passport, and consequently opted to join Salentinian Serie D side Nardò, where he scored 17 goals. In 2003, he left Nardò for Vigor Lamezia, where he scored an impressive 24 goals in 32 matches.

Gallipoli & Italian nationality In 2004, Castillo returned to Apulia to join newly promoted but ambitious Serie D side Gallipoli, helping them to gain two consecutive promotions thanks to a 40 goals in 55 matches, being now able to play into Serie C2 during the 2005–06 season after having finally obtained an Italian passport at the age of 29. He played his European debut on 9 December 2009, substituted Lorenzo De Silvestri on the 83rd minute against Liverpool F.C. At the time was 1–1 draw and ended in 2–1 by the last minute goal from Alberto Gilardino. On 10 January 2010, he scored a crucial goal to seal a 2–1 home win against Serie A opponents A.S. Bari.

Bari & Trapani On 15 January 2010, A.S. Bari signed the Argentine striker from ACF Fiorentina in temporary deal for €300,000. At the end of season he was signed by Bari in definitive deal for €500,000,