Simone Perrotta (born 17 September 1977) is a retired professional footballer who made his name as a versatile central midfielder. Born to Italian parents abroad, his early life and official birth details are documented in various sources (birth record). Perrotta represented the Italian game at the highest level and spent the most prominent years of his club career with AS Roma.
Career overview
Perrotta emerged as a dependable, box-to-box midfielder who combined stamina, tactical discipline and the ability to arrive late in the penalty area. He established himself as a regular starter in top-flight Italian football and was selected repeatedly for the Italy national team, culminating in being part of the squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. At club level he became known for consistent performances that helped his teams compete in domestic and continental competitions.
Playing style and role
Primarily deployed as a central or defensive midfielder, Perrotta offered a blend of ball-winning, intelligent positioning and forward runs. He was respected for his work rate, simple but effective passing and occasional important goals. Coaches valued him as a tactical piece who could adapt to different midfield systems and support both defensive duties and attacking transitions.
Legacy and notable facts
- Known as a team-oriented player rather than a flashy star; frequently praised for leadership and professionalism.
- Remembered internationally for his contribution to Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph.
- Served as an experienced figure at AS Roma during the later stages of his career.
For concise statistical summaries, match logs and later career developments consult official federation pages and club archives (player profile) or general reference collections (national records, biographical sources). Contemporary interviews and season reviews provide additional perspective on his role in Italian football during the 2000s (international summaries).