Candreva Antonio
Antonio Candreva is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a right midfielder or right winger for the Italy national team. Candreva began his professional club career with Ternana in 2004, where he remained until 2007. He later moved to Udinese, remaining until 2012, but was sent on loan to Livorno, Juventus, Parma, and Cesena during his time with the club. He subsequently transferred to Lazio, where he won the Coppa Italia in his first season with the team. He joined Inter in 2016. At international level he has represented Italy at the 2008 Summer Olympics, at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup (winning a bronze medal in the tournament), at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and at UEFA Euro 2016. Candreva was born on 28 February 1987 in Rome. Candreva is of part Arbëreshe descent as his grandfather, on his father’s side, is from the Arbëreshë village of Falconara Albanese in Cosenza. Candreva started playing for the youth teams at local club Lodigiani, then transferred to Serie C1 team Ternana in 2003 and played several games for the first team when they were promoted to Serie B for the 2004–05 season. After Ternana were relegated back to Serie C1 the following season, he became a regular in the side and attracted the interest of several Serie A clubs.
Did you Know?
Despite being naturally right-footed, Candreva can be deployed in several midfield positions due to his versatility, although he usually plays either in a central role as an attacking midfielder or more frequently as a traditional winger on the right side of the pitch; a former forward, he is also capable of playing on the left, and has also been used as a wing-back or full-back, as a second striker, as a central or box-to-box midfielder, as a mezzala, or even in a deeper role in front of the back-line, due to his defensive work-rate and tactical awareness. He has also been deployed as a false-attacking midfielder on occasion. A dynamic, tenacious, physical, and well-rounded player, he is well known for his pace, stamina, consistency and work-rate, which enable him to cover the flank effectively, as well as his eye for goal; he is known for his ability to get forward, and possesses a powerful, accurate long-range shot with both feet, as well as being an accurate free kick and penalty kick taker. He is also gifted with vision and creativity, as well as precise passing, good distribution, and his excellent crossing ability and set-piece delivery, which enable him to create chances and provide several assists for teammates. In addition to these attributes, he also has good technical ability, ball control and dribbling skills, which enable him to get past opposing defenders and both exploit and create space for his team.
