Luigi Di Biagio
A tenacious defensive midfielder and playmaker who made 140 appearances for Roma between 1995 and 1999.
Luigi Di Biagio played for AS Roma from 1995 to 1999, making 140 appearances and scoring 18 goals (15 in Serie A). He helped the squad finish fourth in the 1997–98 season and reach the quarter-finals of the 1998–99 UEFA Cup and the 1997–98 Coppa Italia. During his time there, he made his career debut in European Competitions and became a permanent member of the Italy national side. At international level, Di Biagio represented Italy at the 1998 World Cup, where he scored a headed goal against Cameroon (the 100th for Italy in World Cup matches) but missed a decisive penalty in the quarter-final shootout against France. He later won a runners-up medal at Euro 2000 after converting his penalty in the semi-final shootout against the Netherlands.
- Role
- Defensive Midfielder / Center Back
- Affiliation
- AS Roma (1995–1999)
- Nationality
- Italian
- Status
- Retired Player
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Di Biagio spent five seasons at Roma (1995–99) under managers Carlo Mazzone, Carlos Bianchi, and Zeman. He established himself as a defensive-minded central midfielder who also served as a playmaker. His consistent performances during this period led to his permanent selection for the Italy national side.
In Their Own Story
Di Biagio intercepts a pass near his own box, turning instantly with calm precision. He drives forward, chesting the ball into space for the striker. Known for breaking up opposition attacks and setting the tempo with short exchanges or long balls, he was a strong, aggressive midfielder who earned a reputation for hard tackling.
Reader's Guide
Luigi Di Biagio joined AS Roma in 1995, moving from Foggia. He made his Serie A debut earlier with Lazio (1988–89). At Roma, he appeared in every outfield position throughout his career and was occasionally played as a centre-forward or defender later on. His time at the club ended when he transferred to Inter Milan in 1999.
Did You Know?
- Di Biagio scored the 100th goal for Italy in World Cup matches during a 3–0 win against Cameroon at the 1998 World Cup.
- He missed a decisive penalty against France in the 1998 World Cup quarter-final shootout, hitting the crossbar after extra time.
- Di Biagio converted his first penalty successfully in the Euro 2000 semi-final shootout against the Netherlands, redeeming himself after the miss two years prior.
- He is the player with the second-most red cards in Serie A history (12), behind only Paolo Montero.
- During his time at Brescia, Di Biagio played alongside Roberto Baggio and frequently operated as a sweeper or centreback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Luigi Di Biagio during his AS Roma tenure?
He operated as a versatile defensive midfielder and center-back for the club between 1995 and 1999. His presence was crucial in stabilizing the team structure during his four-year spell with the Giallorossi.
What are his career statistics with the Giallorossi?
Di Biagio made a total of 140 appearances for Roma, finding the net 18 times across all competitions. The majority of these goals, totaling 15, were scored specifically within Serie A matches.
Did he achieve success in European competitions while at Roma?
During his stint, he helped the squad reach the quarter-finals of the 1998–99 UEFA Cup and competed in various domestic cups. This period also marked his career debut in major European tournaments.
What is Luigi Di Biagio's most famous international moment?
He scored a historic headed goal against Cameroon at the 1998 World Cup, which counted as Italy’s 100th goal in tournament history. This performance cemented his status as a permanent member of the national side during that era.
Is there a controversial part of his legacy regarding the national team?
Despite his success, he is often remembered for missing a decisive penalty in the World Cup quarter-final elimination match. He eventually retired from professional football after these international campaigns concluded.
More in Lore & History
Elsewhere in the AS Roma universe
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