Emiliano Moretti
A stalwart Italian defender whose tactical intelligence and loyalty anchored the backline for clubs like Roma and Torino, earning a Serie A title along the way.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Italian footballer·Birthday: June 11·Millennials
Biography
Emiliano Moretti's career was a masterclass in dependable, no-frills defending. The Roman-born centre-back moved through the ranks of Italian football, his game built more on anticipation and positioning than flashy tackles. His journey took him to several Serie A clubs, including a formative stint at Fiorentina and a successful period with Genoa, where he became a fan favorite and captain. Moretti's peak came with a move to Torino, where his leadership and consistency were instrumental in the club's stability in the top flight. While he only earned a handful of caps for the Italian national team, his club career was marked by a profound respect from coaches and teammates for his professionalism and understanding of the defensive craft. He retired as a modern embodiment of the classic Italian defender.
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.
Emiliano was born in 1981, 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 Emiliano Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Emiliano's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
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
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Serie A title with AS Roma during the 2000-01 season, early in his career.
- Captained Genoa C.F.C. during his tenure, leading the team in over 150 Serie A appearances.
- Played a key role in Torino Football Club's defense for several seasons, making over 150 league appearances for the club.
- Earned two caps for the Italian national team, making his debut in 2014.
Did You Know?
He is a licensed UEFA A coach and worked in Torino's youth academy after retiring.
Moretti is known for being an avid reader and has spoken about his interest in literature.
He shares his birthday (June 11) with fellow Italian footballer Daniele De Rossi.
He played for both major Genoa clubs, having started his senior career with Sampdoria before his long spell with Genoa C.F.C.
“My job is to stop the attacker, nothing more and nothing less.”
