1. Overview
Daniele Capelli (Daniele CapelliDaniele CapelliItalian, born 20 June 1986) is an Italian former footballer who played primarily as a defender. Throughout his career, Capelli was known for his versatility, often deployed as a centre-back or right-back. He spent the majority of his professional club career in Italy, notably with Atalanta BC, where he began his youth and senior career, and later with clubs such as A.C. Cesena, Spezia Calcio, and Calcio Padova. This article details his personal background, his progression through youth and professional club football, and his involvement with the Italian national youth teams.
2. Personal Information
Daniele Capelli was born on 20 June 1986 in Calcinate, Italy. He is an Italian national. Standing at 73 in (186 cm) tall and weighing 181 lb (82 kg), he primarily played as a defender, often specializing as a centre-back or right-back.
3. Youth Career
Capelli began his football development in the youth academy of Atalanta BC, where he trained from 2002 to 2004. His tenure in the youth system laid the foundation for his professional career, preparing him for senior football within the same club.
4. Professional Club Career
Daniele Capelli's professional career spanned several Italian clubs, including significant periods at Atalanta BC and various loan spells before making permanent moves. He accumulated a total of 324 appearances and scored 9 goals across all his professional club stints.
4.1. Atalanta BC
Capelli commenced his senior professional career at Atalanta BC in 2004, having progressed through their youth ranks. He remained with the club until 2013, making 120 appearances and scoring 3 goals during this period. In July 2011, Capelli signed a new four-year contract with Atalanta, demonstrating the club's commitment to him. However, prior to the start of the 2009-10 season, he was deemed surplus to requirements, leading to a loan spell. Despite this, he played a crucial role as a regular starter in the 2010-11 season, contributing to Atalanta's return to Serie A after their relegation to Serie B. Following this successful season, his opportunities for play decreased in subsequent seasons, partly due to injuries.
4.2. Loan to Reggina Calcio
During the 2009-10 season, Capelli was loaned to Serie B side Reggina Calcio. He made 12 appearances and scored 1 goal for the club during this temporary spell. However, his time at Reggina was cut short in January 2010 when Atalanta, struggling near the bottom of the Serie A table, promptly recalled him to bolster their squad.
4.3. Loan to A.C. Arezzo
From 2006 to 2007, Capelli had a temporary spell at A.C. Arezzo. During his time with the club, he made a notable contribution, appearing in 35 matches and scoring 4 goals as a defender.
4.4. Loan to A.C. Cesena
On 28 August 2013, Capelli was signed by A.C. Cesena in a temporary deal. His loan period was subsequently extended on 27 June 2014, allowing him to continue his tenure with the club. Across these loan spells, he made 64 appearances and scored 1 goal for A.C. Cesena.
4.5. A.C. Cesena
After his loan period concluded, Daniele Capelli became a free agent on 30 June 2015. Shortly thereafter, on 10 July 2015, he signed a two-year contract to permanently join A.C. Cesena. He played for the club from 2015 to 2017, making 41 appearances.
4.6. Spezia Calcio
On 28 July 2017, Capelli signed a two-year contract with Serie B club Spezia Calcio. He remained with the team until 2018, contributing to 19 matches during his tenure.
4.7. Calcio Padova
On 2 July 2018, Capelli moved to Calcio Padova, signing a two-year contract with the club. He played for Calcio Padova from 2018 to 2020, making 19 appearances during his time there.
4.8. SSD Real Calepina FC 2020
Following his time at Calcio Padova, Capelli joined SSD Real Calepina FC 2020, where he played from 2020 to 2021. He made 14 appearances for the club before concluding his professional career.
5. International Career
Daniele Capelli represented Italy at the youth international level, specifically with the Italy U-20 squad.
5.1. Italy U-20
Capelli participated with the Italy U-20 in 2006. He made 1 appearance for the national youth team.
6. Honours
Throughout his career, Daniele Capelli achieved notable team successes, primarily with Atalanta BC.
6.1. Club Titles
Capelli won the Serie B title twice with Atalanta BC. These championships were secured in the 2005-06 and 2010-11 seasons, marking significant achievements in his club career and contributing to Atalanta's promotions to Serie A.