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Naim KrieziuAlbanian footballer and coach, played as a right winger.
Date of Birth: 01.01.1918
Country:  Albania |
Content:
- Naim Krieziu: Pioneer of Albanian Football
- Italian Occupation and Move to Roma
- Debut and Success with Roma
- Napoli and Retirement
- Coaching Career and Later Life
Naim Krieziu: Pioneer of Albanian Football
Early Life and Club Career in TiranaNaim Krieziu, a Kosovar Albanian, was born in Gjakova, Kosovo. He moved to Tirana at a young age to live with his brother, a government official. With his brother's assistance, Krieziu joined Tirana FC at the age of 15 and debuted with the Albanian national team a year later.
Italian Occupation and Move to Roma
In 1939, Albania was occupied by Italy. Italian football clubs scouted local players, including Krieziu. An Italian physical education instructor noticed his talent and arranged for him to join AS Roma and study at the University of Rome.
Debut and Success with Roma
After a single exhibition match, Roma signed Krieziu with his first professional contract. He made his debut in a Serie A match against Bari on March 10, 1940, contributing an assist to Roma's 4-2 victory.
Krieziu played for Roma for eight years, winning the club's first-ever Serie A title in 1942. Despite his success, he received only 500 lire, a modest sum even at the time.
Napoli and Retirement
In 1947, Napoli acquired Krieziu for 18 million lire. He played for the southern club for six seasons before retiring in 1953.
Coaching Career and Later Life
After retiring as a player, Krieziu became a coach at Serie D side Turris. He later held assistant coaching positions at Roma and Almas Roma. He also briefly stepped in as Roma's head coach, replacing the dismissed Luis Carniglia.
Following his coaching career, Krieziu served as a scout for Roma. He played a pivotal role in the discovery of Giuseppe Giannini, one of the club's legendary players.
