Antonio Di Natale

Antonio Di Natale is a striker for Udinese Calcio. He was born on 13 October 1977 in Naples, Italy.

Antonio’s youth career started at Empoli youth academy where he studied for many years until being promoted to the senior squad.

In 1996 Antonio joined Empoli first team. The coaching staff distinguished Di Natale as a very perspective and talented player. Despite Antonio’s lack of experience in pro football the head coach allowed him to start several matches during the 1996/97 season.

In 1997 the club loaned Antonio to Imperzola where the young striker appeared in practically every match of the club. During the 1997/98 season Di Natale made 33 appearances but scored only 6 goals.

During the 1998/99 season Antonio played for Varese and Viareggio on loan totaling 29 matches and 12 goals. After returning to Empoli, Di Natale started featuring a lot for the home club. The senior coach fully trusted the Italian striker, who garnered experienced during 2 years of being a loaned player. Since 1999 Antonio was a key striker for Empoli with a total of 158 appearances and 49 goals.

At the peak of his career the striker received an offer to join Udinese. The Italian agreed because the change was for the better. Thus, in 2004 Antonio Di Natale signed for Udinese on another long-term contract. At present Antonio is Udinese veteran and a role model for young players replenishing its ranks. Since 2004 Di Natale has made 264 appearances and scored 135 goals.

Di Natale is a holder of numerous individual awards. He was named Serie A Top Scorer in 2010 and 2011, Italian Footballer of the Year in 2010 and Pallone d’Argento in 2011.

Since 2002 Antonio Di Natale has been capped 42 times and netted 11 goals for Italy.