Danilo Cataldi

Danilo Cataldi was born on August 6, 1994, in Rome, Italy. He started his football career at a young age, joining the youth ranks of his hometown club, Lazio, one of the most prominent teams in Italian football. Cataldi progressed through the youth system, showing promise as a central midfielder with a strong work ethic and good technical skills. His early potential set the foundation for his future professional career.

Danilo Cataldi made his professional debut in Serie B with F.C. Crotone on December 14, 2013, during a loan spell from Lazio. In this match against Padova, Cataldi showcased his adaptability and maturity on the field, which earned him positive reviews. His performance in the league was instrumental in helping Crotone achieve a respectable position that season. His loan period at Crotone was a crucial step in gaining first-team experience in competitive league matches.

On January 10, 2014, Danilo Cataldi scored his first professional goal for Crotone, highlighting his potential as a midfielder capable of contributing not just defensively but also in attack. The goal came in a Serie B match, and his overall performance further solidified his reputation as a promising young talent. This achievement was a key milestone in Cataldi’s early professional career, showcasing his ability to make impactful contributions on the pitch.

Danilo Cataldi made his Serie A debut for Lazio against Hellas Verona on October 30, 2014. Entering as a substitute, this was a significant moment in Cataldi’s career as it marked his graduation from youth leagues to the pinnacle of Italian football. Despite Lazio's highly competitive squad, Cataldi’s inclusion demonstrated the coaching staff's belief in his skills and potential. His presence in Serie A games since has been testament to his growth and adaptation to top-tier football.

Danilo Cataldi was part of the Italy U21 squad that participated in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2015, held in the Czech Republic. Although Italy did not progress beyond the group stage, Cataldi's performance was noted as one of the few bright spots. Playing against some of the best young talents in Europe, Cataldi gained invaluable experience and exposure on an international platform, which was crucial for his development as a professional footballer.

On July 1, 2016, Danilo Cataldi joined Genoa CFC on a season-long loan from Lazio. This move was aimed at providing him with more regular playing time in Serie A, allowing him to further hone his skills at the highest level of Italian football. At Genoa, Cataldi featured in several matches, gaining valuable experience and contributing to the team's midfield with his versatile play. This loan spell was essential for Cataldi's development as it tested his abilities against strong Serie A competition.

Danilo Cataldi was loaned to Benevento from Lazio on January 1, 2017. The loan agreement included an option for Benevento to purchase the midfielder, allowing Cataldi to help a newly promoted Serie A side alongside other experienced players. During his time with Benevento, Cataldi was a regular starter and played a pivotal role in the midfield, garnering praise for his leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game. His performance was considered a key factor in initially stabilizing the team's results.

In July 2018, Danilo Cataldi returned to Lazio after his loan spells with Genoa and Benevento. His return marked a fresh start at his home club, where he had begun his youth career. Lazio's management expressed their confidence in Cataldi's abilities to contribute to the team. Since returning, he has been a versatile member of the squad, participating in domestic league matches and helping the team in both defensive and attacking roles as needed.

Danilo Cataldi was part of the Lazio squad that won the Coppa Italia on May 15, 2019, by defeating Atalanta in the final held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Although Cataldi did not start the match, his contributions during the tournament were significant in getting Lazio to the final. This victory was a significant achievement for the club, providing Cataldi with his first major trophy as a professional player and cementing his status as a key figure within the squad.

Danilo Cataldi scored his first UEFA Champions League goal on November 4, 2020, in a group stage match against Zenit Saint Petersburg. This goal was a crucial equalizer, demonstrating his ability to perform on European football's most prestigious stage. Cataldi's performance in this match and throughout the competition was pivotal in helping Lazio advance to the knockout stages for the first time in over a decade. His contributions were lauded by fans and analysts alike.