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Italian footballer
Luca Antei (born 19 April 1992) is an Italian footballer who plays as a defender.
He began his career with Serie A club Roma. Ahead of the 2011–12 season, Antei was training with the club's first-team and he was praised by Walter Sabatini, Roma's director of football, who said he was "growing exponentially" as a player.[3] Serie B side Grosseto announced that they had signed Antei on loan at the end of the transfer window in August 2011.[4][5][6] The club also had an option to sign him outright. Having won the Campionato Nazionale Primavera the previous season,[7] the club allowed him to leave temporarily to gain experience.[8] He made his debut for Grosseto on 1 October in a 3–3 draw with Ascoli, replacing Samuele Olivi as a substitute.[9] On 1 June 2012 he had an operation on his knee (anterior cruciate ligament).[10] In June 2012 Roma paid Grosseto €100,000 as counter-option.[11]
In January 2013 Antei was signed by U.S. Sassuolo Calcio, initially in a temporary deal, with an option to sign 50% registration rights. On 1 July 2013 Sassuolo signed Antei in a co-ownership deal for €500,000.[12] The last 50% registration rights of Antei was purchased on 25 June 2015.[13] for another €500,000.[14]
On 31 August 2017, Antei joined Benevento on a season-long loan deal with obligation to buy.[15]
On 5 October 2020, he joined Pescara on loan.[16] On 27 January 2021, the loan was terminated.[17]
International career
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He received his first call-up to the Italy under-21 team, managed by Ciro Ferrara, in August 2011 for the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualifier against Hungary in September.[18] He made his debut the following month in a 7–2 win against Liechtenstein on 6 October.[19]
Luca Antei started his career as a midfielder, until Alberto de Rossi, who at that time was coaching Roma Youth team, adapted him as a central defender.[20] Thanks to his body structure and his tactical skill, Antei is good at areal play.[21]