Domenico Cristiano

Domenico Cristiano is first from right second row

Domenico Cristiano was born in Ravenna, on March 29, 1976.

He came through the Lazio academy and joined the first team squad in 1993 while continuing to play for the Primavera (U19s)

The manager was Dino Zoff and Lazio finished 4th while Cristiano made one league appearance.

In 1994-95 Zdeněk Zeman arrived as manager and Lazio finished 2nd. Cristiano made no first team appearances but won the Primavera Scudetto.

In 1995 he was sold to Venezia in Serie B where he made 5 league appearances and the Lagunari finished 11th. One of his teammates was former Lazio, Flavio Roma (youth academy, 1991-93 and 1994-95).

In 1996 Cristiano joined Castel di Sangro in Serie B. He stayed two seasons with 15th and 20th places (relegation). These were the years of the "miracle of Castel di Sangro" as in the famous book by Joe McGinnis. The town has a population of 6,000 inhabitants so being in Serie B was a major feat. Cristiano played 46 league games with 3 goals.

In 1998-99 he spent a season at Monza in Serie B. The Brianzoli finished 15th under Pierluigi Frosio. Cristiano played 26 league games with 3 goals. His teammates included Lazio connections; Massimo Oddo (2002-07), Fabio Vignaroli (2007-08) and briefly Federico Crovari (1998-99).

In 1999-2000 he played for Salernitana in Serie B. The manager was Adriano Cadregari then Luigi Cagni, Cadregari again and finally Cagni finished the season. The Granata finished 7th and Cristiano played 8 league games before leaving in January.

He joined Fermana on loan in Serie B. The manager was first Ivo Iaconi from his Castel di Sangro days, then former Lazio player Stefano Di Chiara and finally Iaconi again. The Canarini were relegated and Cristiano played 10 league games.

In 2000-01 he was back at Salernitana and played more regularly, making 20 league appearances with 1 goal (Genoa in 2-1 away win). The manager was first Francesco Oddo, then Nedo Sonetti and then Oddo again. The Granata finished 15th.

In 2001 he joined Napoli. The Partenopei were in Serie B and he stayed two seasons, finishing 5th and 16th. In the first season the manager was Luigi Di Canio while in the second Franco Colomba and Franco Scoglio alternated. His teammates included Lazio connections Mauro Bonomi (1992-95), Francesco Mancini (1995-96) and Dario Marcolin (1992-93,1995-99, 1999-2000). Cristiano played 17 league games for the Azzurri.

In 2003 he signed for Ascoli and stayed three seasons. The first two in Serie B (11th and 5th but then promoted due to Genoa, Perugia and Torino's problems) and the third in A (10th).  His managers include Marco Giampaolo and Massimo Silva. Cristiano played 77 league games with 4 goals (all in B).

In 2006 he joined Rimini in Serie B for two seasons. The Biancorossi finished 5th (including 0-0 away draw to Juventus) and 7th. His manager for both seasons was Leonardo Arcori. His teammates included Samir Handanovic (Lazio 2006) and Alessandro Matri (Lazio 2015-16). Cristiano played 47 league games with 1 goal (Treviso).

In 2008 he signed for Pro Patria in Lega Pro (3rd tier). He stayed three seasons finishing 2nd, 16th (relegated) and 4th in Lego Pro 2. He played 53 league games with 1 goal.

In 2011-12 he spent a season at Viterbese in Serie D. He played 30 league games with 4 goals and the Tusci finished 9th.

He then moved down to amateur level both playing and doing some coaching at Offida (Ascoli) and then at Borgo Solestà (Ascoli) where however he made no playing appearances.

He then retired at 40.

Since retiring he has had one coaching experience, at Castel di Sangro in 2019-20 in the 6th tier. The Giallorossi won promotion to Eccellenza.

Cristiano was a midfielder who could play in several roles due to his adaptability. He won a promotion to Serie A with Ascoli and also played for Napoli but in Serie B.

At Lazio he was very young, making his debut at 18 but then was released to play at lower levels.

Lazio Career

Season	Total Serie A Appearances
1993-94	1

Sources

Wikipedia