Daniele Adani

Lore & Background

Adani started his career in Serie B with Modena, making his first team debuts at age 18. In 1994, he transferred to Lazio but moved to Brescia in November after two gameless months. He followed Brescia's promotions and relegations, appearing in nearly 200 official matches. In 1999, he transferred to Fiorentina for 7 billion lire (€3.615 million), winning the Italian Cup in his second season.

In 2002, after Fiorentina faced bankruptcy, he joined Inter Milan on a free transfer. He scored two goals during his two-season stint (away wins against Empoli and Ancona) and broke his nose, playing with a titanium mask. In 2004, he returned to Brescia, left in March 2005 with Roberto Guana, then joined Ascoli, appearing in only three games. He played two years with Empoli, both in the first division, being regularly used in his first year as the club qualified for the UEFA Cup, but only in six games in his second as the club were relegated.

In 2009, he returned to football with amateurs Sammartinese in Seconda Categoria (ninth level). He earned five caps for Italy between 2000 and 2004, debuting on 15 November 2000 in a 1–0 friendly win against England as a substitute for Alessandro Nesta, and making his second appearance on 27 March 2002 in a 2–1 friendly win against England at Elland Road, again as a second-half substitute.

Reader's Guide

Adani was known for his composure on the ball and versatility; although usually deployed as a man-marking centre-back, he was capable of playing anywhere along the back line.

Did You Know?

• Adani broke his nose while playing for Inter Milan and decided to play with a titanium mask, as Paolo Maldini had done previously.
• During the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, Adani compared Lionel Messi with Jesus, saying the Argentinian is capable of making wine from water.