Biography
Who is Antonio Di Natale?
Early life and beginnings
Antonio Di Natale was born in Naples, Italy, on October 13, 1977. He grew up in the Pomigliano d'Arco area and started playing football at a local school in Castello di Cisterna. His early involvement with a school affiliated with Empoli led him to join the youth system of the Tuscan club as a teenager in 1990.
During his youth and early development, he honed his skills as a striker. He eventually earned a promotion to the senior squad, marking the start of his professional path in Italian association football.
Career with Empoli
Antonio began his professional career with Empoli in 1995. During his time with the club, he spent periods on loan at other teams including Iperzola, Varese, and Viareggio. His successful loan spell at Viareggio included scoring 12 goals in 25 games.
Upon returning to Empoli, he became a key member of the first team. He helped the club achieve promotion to Serie A during the 2001 to 2002 season by scoring 16 goals. The following season, he scored 13 league goals to help Empoli avoid relegation.
Success with Udinese
Following Empoli's relegation in 2004, Antonio transferred to Udinese. In his debut season, he helped the club finish in fourth place and secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League. He formed strong attacking partnerships and was named team captain in 2007.
His goal-scoring consistency reached new heights in the 2009 to 2010 season, where he scored 29 goals in Serie A and won the top goalscorer award. He also received the Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year award for his performances that year. He remained with Udinese for many seasons, setting club records for appearances and goals before concluding his active playing career.
International career
At the international level, Antonio represented the Italy national team in 42 matches between 2002 and 2012, scoring 11 goals. He participated in major tournaments including UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
He also played in UEFA Euro 2012, scoring a goal during the tournament as Italy reached the final match against Spain.
Birthday and age
Antonio Di Natale was born on October 13, 1977, which makes Antonio 49 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Antonio shares the date with 54 other famous people.
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