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Domenico CriscitoFootball player, central defender
Date of Birth: 30.12.1986
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Biography of Domenico Criscito
- Juventus and Return to Genoa
- Zenit St. Petersburg
- Toronto FC and Return to Genoa
- International Career
- Personal Life
Biography of Domenico Criscito
Early Life and CareerDomenico Criscito is an Italian professional footballer who played as a defender. He was born on December 30, 1986, in Cercola, Italy. Criscito began his football career as a youth player for Virtus Volla. He was noticed by Claudio Onofri, the coach of Genoa's youth team, who invited him to join the club. On June 7, 2003, at the age of 16, Criscito made his debut for Genoa in a Serie B match against Cosenza.
Juventus and Return to Genoa
In 2004, Criscito moved to Juventus, who bought 50% of his rights for €500,000, plus 50% of Antonio Nocerino's rights. He won the Italian youth championship with Juventus' youth team in 2006 but did not make any appearances for the first team. In the summer of 2006, he returned to Genoa and became a regular starter under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Criscito was called up to the Italian U21 national team for his performances. In January 2007, Juventus bought the remaining 50% of his rights and he signed a contract with the club until June 2011. He spent the remainder of the season on loan at Genoa.
Zenit St. Petersburg
On June 27, 2011, Criscito officially joined Zenit St. Petersburg, signing a five-year contract. He made his debut for the club on August 6, 2011, in a match against CSKA Moscow. Criscito played a key role in Zenit's success, winning the Russian Premier League and the Russian Super Cup. He scored his first goal for Zenit on August 28, 2011, against FC Volga Nizhny Novgorod.
Toronto FC and Return to Genoa
On June 29, 2022, Criscito signed a contract with Canadian MLS club Toronto FC. He made his debut for the club on July 9, 2022, against San Jose Earthquakes. After one season with Toronto, Criscito announced his retirement on November 15, 2022. However, on December 27, 2022, it was announced that he would return to Genoa for the third time.
International Career
Criscito represented Italy at various levels, starting from the U17 team. He made his debut for the U21 team on November 14, 2006, against the Czech Republic. He was part of the Italian squad for the 2008 Olympics and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he played in all three group stage matches. Criscito was also called up to the Italian national team for the UEFA Euro 2012, but he was excluded due to his alleged involvement in match-fixing scandals. He returned to the national team in 2018 and has since made several appearances.
Personal Life
Criscito is married to Pamela, and they have two sons named Alfredo and Alessandro. He comes from a football-loving family, with his father Alfredo being a former football player. Criscito has three siblings, Antonella, Rossella, and Andrea. He announced his retirement from professional football on May 19, 2023.
