Happy Birthday to Fabio Cannavaro who turns 49 today!
13 September 2022
Thursday, July 23, 2020
On the 24 July 1983, Daniele De Rossi was born in Rome, a midfielder who made history for his club Roma and his country. A product of the Giallorossi Academy, he made his professional debut with his childhood club at the age of 18, during a Champions League match against Anderlecht (1-1), and making three appearances in the Coppa Italia later that season. As a playmaker in the youth sides managed by Fabio Capello, he soon became one of the most effective defensive midfielders in international football.
With a legendary longshot and excellent aerial ability, De Rossi came to the fore when Luciano Spalletti arrived at Roma, where he played between 2006 and 2008. During that era, Roma won two Coppe Italia and a Supercoppa Italia. Compared to the English midfielders Gerrard and Lampard, who were the heart and soul of Liverpool and Chelsea, respectively, De Rossi stands third in the all-time rankings for appearances at Roma, after Francesco Totti and Giacomo Losi. Nicknamed Capitan Futuro by the Roma fans, he was long considered one of the best midfielders oin the world. His time with the Giallorossi came to an end after 18 seasons in May 2019. He finished his career with Boca Juniors, playing with the Argentinian side from July 2019 until last January, when he announced his retirement from professional football.
An Under-21 European champion and a bronze medallist at the Olympics that same year, he marked his senior debut with a goal at just 21 years of age when Italy beat Norway 2-1, in a Qualifying Match for the 2006 World Cup. At the World Cup in Germany he the Azzurri, scoring one of the penalties in the final against France. At Euro 2012 he was part of the Italian squad that finished as runners-up at Euro 2012, and finished in third place at the Confederations Cup in Brazil. Moreover, he returned to action for Euro 2016. After participating in all international competitions from 2006 onwards, scoring 21 goals in 116 matches for the Azzzurri, he is still the most prolific midfielder in the Italy National Team's history.