A true Udinese legend is celebrating his 48th birthday today: Toto Di Natale! The player with the most appearances and goals for Udinese in Serie A and European competitions, represented the club for 12 seasons, most of them as captain. A scorer of unforgettable goals that thrilled supporters, he twice finished as Serie A’s top scorer and ranks sixth among the all-time leading scorers in the history of the league. He also proudly represented Udinese around the world with more than 40 caps for Italy.
After joining Udinese in 2004, he quickly established himself as a key player, helping the team qualify for the UEFA Champions League and scoring in the competition the following year. His goal tally grew season after season as he became captain and moved increasingly into a central striking role. In 2009/10, he became Udinese’s all-time leading goalscorer and reached the milestone of 100 Serie A goals, ending the campaign as the league’s top marksman with 29 goals.
The following season he netted 28, claiming the top goalscorer award once again and helping Udinese reach the Champions League play-offs. The Italian then netted 23 goals in both the 2011/12 and 2012/13 campaigns, playing a decisive role in securing further European qualification. After another season with a tally of nearly 20, he reached 200 Serie A goals in 2014/15, eventually surpassing Roberto Baggio to reach 206. In 2015/16, he announced his retirement, bringing his career to a close in a home game against Carpi in May 2016 by scoring from the penalty spot to register his 209th and final Serie A goal and his 191st in Udinese colours.
Almost ten years on from his retirement, the memory of Di Natale’s brilliance remains vivid in the minds and hearts of Udinese fans, who are forever grateful to their captain and record scorer, who helped take the club to heights rarely reached in its history.
Happy birthday, Toto!