Mattia Destro

Mattia Destro was born on March 20, 1991, in Ascoli Piceno, Italy. He is the son of former footballer Flavio Destro. Mattia grew up in a family with a strong football background, which played a significant role in his early interest and subsequent career in professional football. From a young age, he was involved with local football teams, developing the skills that would later make him a prominent figure in Italian football.

In January 2010, Mattia Destro transferred from Inter Milan to Genoa. This move marked an important step in his career, presenting him with new opportunities to showcase his skills in Serie A. At Genoa, Destro gained valuable experience and playing time, which contributed to his development as a striker. His performances at Genoa caught the attention of top Italian clubs, proving his potential as a key player in Italian football.

On July 1, 2011, Mattia Destro was loaned to AC Siena from Genoa with an option for Siena to acquire half of his rights. During his time at Siena, Destro impressed with his goal-scoring ability, netting 12 goals in Serie A for the 2011-2012 season. His performances were crucial in helping Siena avoid relegation and earned him recognition as one of the promising young talents in Italian football.

On July 30, 2012, Mattia Destro joined AS Roma from Genoa in a co-ownership deal also involving Siena. The estimated fee was €11.5 million. Destro's move to Roma was significant as it allowed him to showcase his abilities on a larger stage, being part of one of Italy's most prestigious football clubs. He quickly became an integral part of the Roma squad, contributing goals and assists.

Mattia Destro was named in the preliminary 30-man squad for Italy's 2014 FIFA World Cup team by coach Cesare Prandelli. Although he was part of the preliminary squad, Destro did not make the final 23-man squad that went to Brazil. Nevertheless, being included in the preliminary roster was a testament to his skills and performance in Serie A, marking his recognition at the national team level during a competitive period for Italian football.

On January 29, 2015, Mattia Destro was loaned from AS Roma to AC Milan. The loan move was strategic for AC Milan, as they aimed to bolster their attacking options. Destro's stint with the Rossoneri allowed him to gain further experience in a different tactical setup, and although his time there was brief, it added to his versatility and understanding of the game at a club with a rich history.

Mattia Destro signed for Bologna FC on August 21, 2015. The transfer, reportedly for a fee of around €6.5 million, provided Destro with a new platform to relaunch his career after his time at AC Milan. At Bologna, Destro had the opportunity to become a leading figure in the team, where he aimed to revive form and find consistency. His role at Bologna was pivotal as he tried to spearhead the club's attack.

On September 25, 2021, Mattia Destro scored a sensational goal while playing for Genoa against Sassuolo in a Serie A match. During the match, he shocked everyone by scoring with a header while holding a water bottle in his hand. This unusual feat garnered widespread attention, showcasing his natural talent and flair for the dramatic. The image of him scoring with the bottle became iconic, highlighting his instinctive prowess on the field.

Mattia Destro joined Empoli FC on July 7, 2022, after a two-year stint with Genoa. Empoli signed Destro to boost their attacking options as they prepared for the upcoming Serie A season. The transfer was seen as a move to bring experience and goal-scoring ability to the team. Destro's presence at Empoli was expected to help guide the team's younger players and provide a seasoned presence in the squad.

Mattia Destro re-joined Genoa on September 1, 2023, marking his return to the club after previous spells. His comeback to Genoa was welcomed by fans eager to see the experienced striker contribute with his goal-scoring prowess. Destro's return was part of Genoa's strategy to strengthen their attacking line-up. Known for his scoring ability and tactical awareness, Destro was expected to be a significant asset in their Serie A campaign.