Simone Pepe
A versatile and energetic winger whose relentless work ethic made him a key component of Italy's 2012 European Championship squad.
Born 1983 (age 43)·Italian footballer·Birthday: August 30·Millennials
Biography
Simone Pepe scored against Ireland at Euro 2012, celebrating with a knee-slide that captured his work rate for Italy. He played as a wide midfielder for Juventus under Antonio Conte, starting on either flank and contributing crucial goals to the club's 2012 Scudetto campaign. Pepe emerged from Roma's youth system but spent loans at Palermo and Udinese before joining Juventus in 2010. His stamina and defensive diligence made him a reliable option in Conte's high-pressing system. Pepe also represented Italy at the 2010 World Cup and in the run to the Euro 2012 final. His club form earned him 23 caps for the national team. Pepe's career demonstrated persistence, adapting through multiple loan moves before finding a consistent role at a top club.
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.
Simone was born in 1983, 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 Simone Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Simone's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
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
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Serie A title with Juventus in the 2011-12 season, a key year in the club's historic rebuild.
- Represented Italy at UEFA Euro 2012, starting in the group stage and appearing in the final against Spain.
- Scored 14 goals across all competitions during his four-season tenure with Juventus from 2010 to 2014.
- Made over 250 appearances in Italy's top flight, Serie A, for clubs including Udinese, Juventus, and Chievo.
Did You Know?
He is a trained opera singer and has been known to perform publicly, showcasing a talent far from the football pitch.
Pepe scored the first goal at Juventus Stadium (now Allianz Stadium) in a friendly match, though it was not an official competitive first.
He began his professional career as a left-back before being converted into an attacking winger.
After retirement, he has worked as a football commentator and pundit for Italian television.
“I always gave everything for the shirt I was wearing.”
