Franco Lalli
Canadian soccer player
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Franco Lalli (born March 11, 1985)[1] is a Canadian former soccer player who most recently played as a midfielder for North York Astros in the Canadian Soccer League.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Franco Lalli | ||
| Date of birth | March 11, 1985 | ||
| Place of birth | Toronto, Ontario | ||
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) | ||
| Position | Midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1991–1995 | Woodbridge Strikers | ||
| 1995–1997 | Woodbridge Town | ||
| 1998–1999 | Ontario Provincial team | ||
| 2000 | Brampton Lions | ||
| 2001 | University of Notre Dame | ||
| 2002 | Foggia Calcio | ||
| 2003 | US Avellino | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2004 | S.S. Cavese 1919 | 0 | (0) |
| 2005 | U.S.D. Lucera Calcio | 0 | (0) |
| 2005–2006 | Lombard-Pápa TFC | 10 | (0) |
| 2007–2008 | North York Astros | 21 | (1) |
| International career | |||
| 2005 | Canada U-20 | 4 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 18 July 2009 | |||
Club career
Lalli commenced his soccer career at the youth level with various teams, including the Woodbridge Strikers, Woodbridge Town Football Club, Brampton Lions,[2] Ontario Provincial team and the University of Notre Dame. He then pursued opportunities abroad in Italy, where he played for several clubs, namely U.S.D. Lucera Calcio, Foggia Calcio, S.S. Cavese 1919, US Avellino[3] and Foggia Calcio. In 2005, he signed with Lombard-Pápa TFC in the Hungarian National Championship II, but was released in 2006. On April 17, 2008, the North York Astros announced Lalli's signing for the 2008 season.[4] He scored his first goal for the Astros on August 9 against the Brampton Lions.[5] Throughout the season, Lalli contributed significantly to the team's success, helping set an all-time record for most points and wins in a season, and securing a playoff berth. In the quarterfinal match, Lalli scored the Astros' only goal, forcing extra time, but the Serbian White Eagles ultimately scoring the winning goal to advance to the semifinals.[6]
International career
Lalli appeared for Canada in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, although he did not play in the tournament.[7] In total, he recorded four appearances with the Canadian national U-20 team.[8]
Style of play
A versatile player, Lalli is known for being an all-rounder, and can play as a forward or as an offensive midfielder on both the left or as right flanks.[9]
Personal life
Lalli lives in Toronto and is fan of Roberto Baggio.[10]