Antonio Di Natale

Antonio Di Natale (born 13 October 1977 in Naples) is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Udinese.

A versatile striker, Di Natale can play anywhere in the front line, as a lone striker or out wide in a 3-pronged attack but is most effective when played as an out-and-out striker. He is notable for his dribbling skills, pace and for his ability to score and create goals.

Club career

Though born in Naples, Antonio Di Natale moved up north and joined Empoli's youth system. He impressed while playing for the Tuscany side in Serie A and even received his first Azzurri call-up. He was awarded a contract extension. When Empoli was relegated he moved to Udinese.

After having joined Udinese in the 2004–05 Serie A season, Di Natale partnered with Vincenzo Iaquinta and David Di Michele in attack, and the Friulian club finished 4th place at the end of the season and qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the following year. Di Natale finished his debut season with a record of 33 games and seven goals.

In the 2007–08 season, Di Natale scored 17 goals. The two most notable goals were scored on matchday 4, when Udinese played against Reggina. He scored a brilliant lob in the 5th minute and a terrific volley in the 63rd with his favored left foot. Forming a formidable attacking duo with Fabio Quagliarella, Di Natale improved his goal tally, becoming the focal point of the attack. In 2007, he was named captain of Udinese and...
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