Andrea Natali: Who is Bayer Leverkusen's Italian prodigy?
Andrea Natali came up through the La Masia ranks at Barcelona and was at Milan's academy before that. Now part of Bayer Leverkusen's exciting young crop, what else is there to know about the Italian star? bundesliga.com has you covered...
Stats correct as of 20 March 2025
Age: 17 (born 28 April 2008)
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Position: Centre-back/Defensive midfielder
Country: Italy U19
Key stats
Born in the city of Milan, Natali started on the books of Bologna at the age of six before a series of moves through various clubs led to him joining AC Milan's academy. That would be Natali's final stop in the Italian youth circuit, as a move to Spain would pave the way for Natali to join Barcelona's prestigious La Masia academy side.
After three years in Barcelona's youth setup, Natali joined Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.
Arriving in Spain with a reputation as one of Italy's top prospects, Natali would go on to captain Italy's U15 side, registering 13 appearances for them before making the move to U16 and then U17, where he would star as a key member of the U17 European Championship winning Italy side in 2024.
Natali was instrumental at the back as the young Italy side would go on to keep four clean sheets in seven games including the final against Portugal, beating them 2-0. Since then, Natali has moved up to the U19 side and continues to grow from strength to strength, making seven appearances since October 2024.
For Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen senior side, Natali has been named as a substitute twice in Bundesliga ties at Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart.
Plays a bit like: Nico Schlotterbeck
Standing at a height of 6"1', Natali's prodigious talents with the ball and ability to defend like Italian defenders of old makes him the perfect modern-day centre back. He is only 17 and has time on his side to grow into his body by the time he reaches the peak of his career. There is little doubt though that this young Italian has all the pieces to make it all the way to the top. His ability of playing in defensive midfield and comfort on the ball can be credited to the La Masia schooling he received earlier in his career.
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Did you know?
Natali's father Cesare was also a defender of note, notching over 300 appearances in Serie A in an impressive career from 1998 to 2004 and was capped for the Italian national team too.
What they're saying
“He potentially has all the qualities needed to play a significant role in our Werkself in the future.” - Leverkusen Sporting Director Simon Rolfes, upon signing Natali in the summer of 2024.
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