Things to Know:
A quick, mobile, diminutive, and versatile player, gifted with good tactical intelligence and a lethal eye for goal, Di Natale was capable of playing anywhere along the front line; throughout his career he was deployed in the centre as a lone striker, out wide on the left in an attacking trident, or even in a deeper, creative, supporting role, due to his positional sense, vision, and ability to both score and create goals. He was mainly known for his pace, control, flair, technical skills, and sense of space in the area, as well as his ability to make attacking runs to beat the defensive line and subsequently finish off chances. Due to his opportunism, composure in front of goal, and ability to strike the ball well with either foot despite being naturally right-footed, he was able to score from any position on the pitch. Regarded as one of the best Italian forwards of his generation, Di Natale earned the prestigious Serie A Capocannoniere award — as Serie A’s top goalscorer — for the 2009–10 and 2010–11 seasons, also winning the AIC Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year award in 2010. In addition to his skill and goalscoring ability, Di Natale also stood out for his leadership, loyalty, work-rate, and longevity throughout his career. He was also an accurate free-kick and penalty taker.
