Andrea Natali

Andrea Natali (born 28 January 2008) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or defensive midfielder for Eredivisie club AZ, on loan from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. Natali moved with his family to Spain as a child. Club career He started playing football at the age of six when he joined the youth academy of Bologna, the club where his father played from 2012 to 2014. In the summer of 2014, he joined Brera and after a few seasons with the Neroverdi, he moved abroad, first to Spain and then to England. Natali joined the youth academy of Spanish La Liga side Barcelona at the age of thirteen, after playing in the youth academy of Udinese and AC Milan's youth academy. He has been described as "one of the most promising defenders in the Blaugrana youth team". On 26 June 2024, Natali joined German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. International career Natali has captained the Italy national under-15 football team. He won the Euros U17 in 2024. Style of play Natali mainly operates as a defender and has been described as "stood out for his driving and quality in passing". Personal life Natali is the son of Italian former footballer Cesare Natali. He has four siblings.