24 Facts About Luca Toni

Luca Toni is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a striker.

Something of a footballing nomad, at club level, Luca Toni played for twelve different Italian teams throughout his career.

Luca Toni retired in 2016, after three seasons with Verona, the last as team captain.

Luca Toni made his international debut in 2004 and took part at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2008, and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup with Italy; he most notably contributed to Italy's 2006 World Cup victory, as he scored twice and was elected to the tournament's All-star team.

Luca Toni then moved to Brescia, playing for two seasons under manager Carlo Mazzone, alongside Roberto Baggio and Pep Guardiola.

Luca Toni's move to Fiorentina was marked by controversy as Palermo fans dubbed him a traitor for his departure.

Luca Toni was awarded the European Golden Shoe for his achievement and is first Italian player to win this award.

Luca Toni's goal scoring ability brought Fiorentina to heights never seen since Gabriel Batistuta's days in the late 1990s.

Luca Toni expressed his desire to leave the team several times during the summer to the press, but was eventually convinced by club President Andrea Della Valle to stay.

Luca Toni would leave during the summer after promising Della Valle not to sign for any Italian rivals.

Luca Toni debuted for Roma against Cagliari on 6 January 2010.

Luca Toni scored his first two goals for Roma against Genoa on 17 January 2010.

On 7 January 2011, a statement in the Juventus official website announced that Luca Toni would be joining Juventus on a free transfer deal, until 30 June 2012.

Luca Toni scored his 100th goal in Serie A with a header from 16 meters against Cagliari, which was his debut goal for Juventus.

Luca Toni scored the first goal at the new Juventus Stadium against Notts County on 8 September 2011.

On 5 July 2013, Luca Toni signed a one-year contract with newly promoted to Serie A club Verona.

Luca Toni finished the season with 22 goals, which took him to the top of the Serie A goalscoring charts, along with Mauro Icardi, at the age of 38 becoming the oldest Capocannoniere in Serie A In 2015, France Football rated him as one of the 10 best footballers in the world who are over the age of 36.

Luca Toni explained his decision to retire after the match, stating that he would not be playing in Verona's final match of the season, in an away fixture against his former club Palermo, as he wanted to play his final career match in his team's home stadium.

Luca Toni scored 16 goals in 47 appearances for the Italy national football team.

Luca Toni was selected to Italy's 23-man 2006 World Cup squad, and was given the number 9 shirt.

Luca Toni was fouled 28 times throughout the tournament, more than any other player.

Luca Toni finished the qualifying round as Italy's top-scorer with 5 goals in six appearances.

Luca Toni was named to Lippi's 23-man Italy squad that took part at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, and appeared in all three of his nation's group matches, although Italy disappointed, suffering a first-round elimination.

Luca Toni received his UEFA Pro Licence on 16 September 2020.