Antonio Candreva
A versatile and enduring Italian winger whose relentless work rate and precise delivery made him a fixture for club and country for over a decade.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Italian footballer·Birthday: February 28·Millennials
Biography
Antonio Candreva’s football journey is a testament to adaptability and longevity. Emerging from the youth ranks at Ternana, he didn't burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy but carved out his place through sheer determination. His career truly ignited at Udinese and later Lazio, where he transformed from a promising talent into a vital, multifaceted attacker. Operating primarily on the right flank, Candreva was known for his engine, tactical intelligence, and a dangerous, whipped cross. He became a trusted figure for the Italian national team, earning over 50 caps and participating in two European Championships and the 2014 World Cup. His later years saw successful spells at Inter Milan and Sampdoria, proving his top-flight quality well into his thirties before a final chapter at Salernitana. Candreva’s story is one of a player who maximized his gifts through consistency and professionalism.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Antonio was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Antonio Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Antonio's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned 54 caps for the Italian national team, featuring in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016 and 2020.
- Won the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles during his five-season stint with S.S. Lazio.
- Recorded over 100 combined goals and assists in Italy's top-flight Serie A across his career.
- Named Serie A Midfielder of the Year for the 2016–17 season while playing for Inter Milan.
Did You Know?
He is known for his distinctive, powerful long-range shooting technique, often scoring from outside the box.
Candreva made his Serie A debut for Ternana at age 16, coming on as a substitute.
He played under manager Antonio Conte at both Juventus (briefly) and the Italian national team.
Despite being right-footed, he often played on the right wing, favoring cuts inside to shoot.
“I will run until I cannot run anymore, for any team that needs me.”
