Biography
Who is Federico Balzaretti?
Early football development
Federico Balzaretti started his football path in his hometown of Turin. He joined the youth system of the club Torino at the age of 6. The young athlete spent his formative years playing for various youth teams at the club. His first professional experiences came while on loan at the provincial clubs Varese and Siena. He returned to Turin to play in Serie A and Serie B. He became a significant figure for Torino supporters during this period.
Career with major Italian clubs
In August 2005, the defender moved to the rival team Juventus. He played there for a season under manager Fabio Capello and helped the team win the league title. After his time in Turin, he transferred to Fiorentina. He did not settle well there and soon moved to the Sicilian club Palermo. He took the number 42 jersey to honor his father, who was born in 1942. He became a reliable player for the side.
In 2012, he signed a contract with AS Roma. He made his debut in a draw against Catania. He scored his first goal for Roma during a derby match against Lazio in 2013. The athlete struggled with physical issues, specifically athletic pubalgia, which required multiple surgeries. He returned to the field for one final game in 2015 against Palermo before announcing his retirement. He established himself as a highly praised left-back in Italy. His playing style was characterized by pace, stamina, and crossing ability. He was versatile and could play as a winger or on the right side. In 2012, he was named to the Serie A Team of the Year.
Representing the Italy national team
The defender made his debut for the senior Italy national team on November 17, 2010. Coach Cesare Prandelli selected him for the friendly match against Romania. He earned a spot in the squad for the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament. He became the starting left-back during the group stage. He played the full match against Germany in the tournament, where he helped his team reach the final. The Italian squad finished the competition as runners-up.
Life after professional play
Federico Balzaretti officially declared his retirement on August 12, 2015. He cited a persistent hip injury as the main reason he could no longer play at the required level. Following his departure from the pitch, he remained with AS Roma to work within their sports management staff. He later accepted a position as the director of football for the Serie B club Vicenza in 2021.
Family and personal details
Federico is married to the Italian ballerina Eleonora Abbagnato. The couple held their wedding ceremony in Palermo during the summer of 2011. They are parents to two children together. He also has two children from a previous relationship.
Birthday and age
Federico Balzaretti was born on December 6, 1981, which makes Federico 44 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. Federico shares the date with 16 other famous people.
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