A left-footed player, Domenico Criscito is a coach’s dream, given his ability to operate just as effectively in the centre of defence as at left-back, while also possessing the versatility to patrol the left of midfield in a 4-3-3 formation.
Criscito took his first steps as a professional aged just 16 with Genoa in Serie B. Co-owned by Genoa and Juventus, he then switched back and forth between the two teams before finally enjoying some consistent playing time with the side where he had made his start. Popular with both the fans and club officials, he now looks set to become the Grifoni’s next captain.
In the international arena, he served Italy at every level as a youngster before being handed a starting berth by senior coach Marcello Lippi for the 3-0 friendly victory over Switzerland on 12 August 2009. After that, he was fielded against Georgia in a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifier and has appeared in the Azzurri’s last three friendlies. His flexibility ought to make him a key member of Italy’s squad in South Africa, either as a back-up in case of injury or an alternative solution in testing circumstances.
