Alberto Aquilani was born in Rome on 7 July 1984. He began his career at Roma, rising through the ranks of the Giallorossi's youth set-up before making his Serie A debut on 10 May 2003, at just 18 years of age. He then honed his skills at Serie B side Triestina, his excellent performances earning him a return to the capital, where won two Coppa Italia trophies and the Supercoppa Italiana. Spells at Liverpool, Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Sporting Lisbon all followed before a return to Italy at the start of the 2016/17 season, where he played for Pescara and Sassuolo before concluding his professional career with Las Palmas at the end of the following season.

Aquilani represented the Azzurri at all youth levels from Under-15 to Under-21, before making his senior debut at the age of 22 on 15 November 2006 in a friendly against Turkey. After giving him his debut, Italy Coach Roberto Donadoni called him up for the 2008 European Championship in Austria and Switzerland. His first goal for the Azzurri came under Marcello Lippi’s leadership, as he netted a vital brace against Montenegro on 15 October 2008 in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. He also competed in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil under Cesare Prandelli, the competition serving as a prelude to the Brazil World Cup the following year, where he also featured for Italy. His career total in the National Team saw him play 38 games and score five goals in an Azzurri shirt.

These days, Aquilani is continuing to build his career as a coach, and is currently a member of Giuseppe Iachini’s coaching team at Fiorentina.