Marko Amelia Italian footballer, goalkeeper. Date of Birth: 02.04.1982 Country: Italy

1. Marco Amelia - Italian Footballer and Goalkeeper
2. Early Career and Club Success
3. Historical Goal-Scoring Moment and Transfer Speculations
4. Palermo and International Success
5. World Cup Journey

Marco Amelia - Italian Footballer and Goalkeeper

Marco Amelia, born on April 2, 1982, in Frascati, Rome, is an Italian footballer and goalkeeper. He is widely recognized as the champion of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and has represented the Italian national team. Amelia's exceptional skills and talent have earned him the prestigious title of Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

Early Career and Club Success

Amelia began his football journey as a product of the renowned football club, AS Roma. However, it was during his time at Livorno in 2001 that he truly made a name for himself. Initially joining on loan, Amelia's outstanding performances led to his permanent acquisition by the club. His success continued as he was subsequently loaned out to Lecce and then Parma in the 2003/2004 season, where he served as Sebastian Frey's understudy.

Historical Goal-Scoring Moment and Transfer Speculations

On November 2, 2006, Amelia made history by scoring a goal in a UEFA Cup match against Belgrade's Partizan, becoming the first Italian goalkeeper to accomplish such a feat in European competitions. In February 2007, he made headlines once again by announcing his contract signing with Moscow's Spartak. However, the transfer ultimately fell through, and Amelia remained with his current club.

Palermo and International Success

In the summer of 2008, Amelia made a significant move to Palermo for a reported fee of 6 million euros. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team and showcased his exceptional skills on the field. Additionally, he represented the Italian national team as the first-choice goalkeeper in the victorious 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. That same year, Amelia and the national team secured a bronze medal in the Olympic Games.

World Cup Journey

Amelia's talent and dedication earned him a spot on the Italian national team for the prestigious 2006 FIFA World Cup. Although he served as a backup to legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Amelia played a crucial role in the team's success, contributing to Italy's triumph in securing the World Cup title.

Overall, Marco Amelia's impressive career as a goalkeeper, his achievements on the international stage, and his contributions to various clubs have solidified his status as a respected figure in Italian football history.