Domenico Criscito
A versatile and consistent Italian defender who anchored the back line for Genoa and the national team for over a decade.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Italian footballer·Birthday: December 30·Millennials
Biography
Domenico Criscito embodied the modern, flexible defender, capable of shutting down attacks at left-back or center-back while also sparking forward movement with his technical skill. A product of the Juventus youth academy, he found his true home at Genoa, where he became a symbol of stability and loyalty across two separate spells, eventually captaining the side. His intelligent reading of the game and reliable left foot made him a fixture in the Italian national team setup, earning call-ups for major tournaments including Euro 2012. While a move to Zenit Saint Petersburg brought league titles and a higher profile, his heart remained with Genoa, where he returned to lead the defense until his retirement. Criscito's career was defined not by flashy headlines, but by a steadfast, professional excellence that managers could always depend on.
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.
Domenico was born in 1986, 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 Domenico Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Domenico's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned 26 caps for the Italian national team and was selected for the UEFA Euro 2012 squad.
- Won two Russian Premier League titles and the Russian Cup during his time with Zenit Saint Petersburg.
- Made over 350 Serie A appearances, the vast majority for Genoa, where he served as team captain.
- Played in the UEFA Champions League with both Zenit Saint Petersburg and Genoa.
Did You Know?
He is commonly known by the nickname 'Mimmo' in Italy.
Criscito was investigated (but never charged) in the 2011 Italian football scandal known as 'Calcioscommesse,' which led to his withdrawal from Italy's Euro 2012 camp before being cleared.
He scored a memorable last-minute free-kick winner for Genoa against Juventus in 2021.
He holds the record for the most Serie B appearances for Genoa, helping them achieve promotion.
“Genoa is my home; this shirt is my second skin.”
