Lorenzo Cittadini
A rock-solid Italian prop who anchored the Azzurri scrum for nearly 60 caps, a dependable force in the trenches through two World Cup campaigns.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Italian rugby union player·Birthday: December 17·Millennials
Biography
In the brutal, unglamorous theater of the rugby scrum, Lorenzo Cittadini was Italy's steadfast anchor. The tighthead prop earned his Azzurri debut in 2008 and became a fixture in the front row, his value measured in stability and set-piece security rather than flashy highlights. For nearly a decade, his broad shoulders and technical prowess were essential in matches against the Six Nations' powerhouse packs, where every shove and bind was a battle. Cittadini represented Italy at two Rugby World Cups, in 2011 and 2015, providing experienced backbone to the squad. His club career saw him succeed in both the Italian domestic league and in France with Bayonne, embodying the classic, hard-nosed prop whose work often goes unnoticed by casual fans but is deeply appreciated by teammates and purists of the game.
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.
Lorenzo was born in 1982, 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 Lorenzo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Lorenzo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
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
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
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
2003Turned 21
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
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned 58 caps for the Italian national team, debuting in the 2008 Six Nations.
- Represented Italy at two Rugby World Cups (2011 in New Zealand and 2015 in England).
- Played professionally for top Italian club Benetton Treviso and French side Bayonne.
Did You Know?
He made his Test debut for Italy against Ireland at Croke Park in Dublin.
He played alongside legendary Italian captain Sergio Parisse for many years in the national team.
After retirement, he moved into coaching, working with the Italian Rugby Federation's youth academy system.
“The scrum is where the game is truly decided, in the dark and the dirt.”
