Alberto Aquilani: biography

Alberto Aquilani is an Italian international footballer, currently playing for Juventus on loan from Liverpool. A central midfielder capable of operating in either a defensive or an attacking capacity, he made his reputation at AS Roma where he played alongside club legends Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti, notably providing a wide range of accurate passing.

Beginnings

Born on 7 July 1984 in the Italian capital, Alberto Aquilani joined the academy of Roma as a teenager and spent the 2003-04 season out on loan at Triestina to get some practical experience of first-team football.

Career

Breakthrough
Upon returning to Roma in the summer of 2004 he became a first team regular until he was sold to Liverpool. On 26 February 2006 Aquilani scored in a famous derby win over Lazio, but he was not part of the squad that won the World Cup under Marcello Lippi in Germany. Representing his country
Alberto did achieve recognition on the international stage, being awarded his debut in a 1-1 draw with Turkey on 15 November 2006 by new national boss Roberto Donadoni. A series of injuries has since dogged his career, limiting him to between twenty and thirty appearances per season in all competitions. Despite this Aquilani was fit enough to take part in Euro 2008. Although it wasn’t the World Champions’ finest hour, he did start the quarter final against eventual winners Spain, which Italy lost on penalties after a goalless draw. He has fifteen caps to date, scoring twice. Liverpool and Juventus
In the summer of 2009, in spite of him recently signing a new contract with Roma, Premier League side Liverpool had an offer of £17 million plus add-ons accepted for Alberto. Touted as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, who had left Anfield for Real Madrid, he had found it difficult to maintain fitness at his parent club. It was November of the 2009-10 season before Aquilani made his Premiership debut against Birmingham City. Although he managed just twenty-six appearances for the Merseyside club, he played well during their run to the inaugural Europa League semi-finals, but Liverpool lost in extra-time for eventual winners Atletico Madrid. When Rafael Benitez left Anfield in the summer of 2010, new manager Roy Hodgson sent Alberto on a season-long loan to his native Italy with Juventus. He has figured for the Turin club regularly in an attempt to rebuild his career.

Achievements

Aquilani has won three trophies in his career to date all with Roma. Back-to-back Coppa Italia’s in 2007 and 2008 as well as the Italian Super Cup in 2007 all came at the expense of the Serie A champions Internazionale, better known as Inter Milan.