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ALL ABOUT THE FOOTBALLER LIBERATO CACACE
Liberato Cacace is one of those players who prove that footballing talent can emerge from any corner of the world. Born in New Zealand, with Italian roots and an attacking, tenacious playing style, this left-back has made steady progress from Oceanic football to Italy's Serie A. At just over 20 years old, he has already won a championship in his country, earned international caps with the All Whites, and made a name for himself in competitive leagues. In this article, we tell you all about his career, his statistics, clubs, interesting facts, and why he's a player to watch in the coming years.
From Wellington to the International Radar
Liberato Gianpaolo Cacace was born on September 27, 2000, in Wellington, New Zealand. With an Italian father and a New Zealand mother, he grew up in a multicultural environment that combined European discipline with the Oceanic passion for sport. From a young age, he showed a talent for football and joined local academies where his physical presence, intensity, and technical skill quickly made him stand out.
Wellington Phoenix and the Leap to Professionalism
He made his professional debut with Wellington Phoenix, the only New Zealand club competing in the Australian A-League. At just 17 years old, he was already an undisputed starter at left-back, displaying a maturity uncommon for his age. In the 2019-20 season, he was named to the A-League Team of the Year, thanks to his ability to defend solidly and join the attack with precision.
Professional debut at 17 in 2017.
First player born in the 2000s to play for Phoenix.
More than 50 A-League appearances before the age of 20.
Named a “Rising Star” in New Zealand in 2019.
His performance caught the attention of European teams, and it wasn't long before the opportunity that would change his life arrived: to play in one of the major leagues on the continent.
From Oceanic Promise to European Reality
In 2020, Cacace signed with Sint-Truidense of the Belgian league, an ideal platform for young international talents. There, he adapted well, playing significant minutes and contributing goals and assists. But his ambition didn't stop there: in 2022, he made the leap to Italy's Serie A, signing for Empoli FC. The transition to a more demanding league didn't intimidate him. With effort and discipline, he earned the coaching staff's trust and established himself as a modern full-back: strong defensively, with a good shot and great stamina down the left flank. His move to Como 1907: In 2023, Liberato was loaned to Como 1907 in Serie B, where he found consistent playing time and crucial minutes for his development. In an intense and tactical league like the Italian one, the New Zealander has been refining his defensive skills and gaining experience. His development has been constant, and he is already considered one of the key players in the Lombardy club's promotion project.
He played in the Belgian Pro League with Sint-Truiden (2020-2022).
Signed by Empoli FC for Serie A in 2022.
Loaned to Como 1907 in 2023 to gain experience.
Successful adaptation to European tactical football.
Cacace represents the type of player who never stops growing. Without making much noise, he has climbed the ladder through hard work, professionalism, and a desire to excel in every challenge.
The Pride of the All Whites
Liberato has been a mainstay of the New Zealand national team since his debut in 2018. He has represented the All Whites in World Cup Qualifiers, regional tournaments, and international friendlies, regularly starting the match. His presence has provided the team with defensive solidity and attacking depth, thanks to his constant runs down the wing. He was also part of the Olympic team that competed in Tokyo 2020, where they reached the quarterfinals, becoming one of the tournament's surprises.
Statistics and Football Profile
More than 30 international matches with New Zealand.
Participation in Tokyo 2020 with the U-23 team.
Nearly 150 professional matches before the age of 24.
Average of 2.3 interceptions and 1.8 accurate crosses per game.
Ability to play as a wing-back or full-back Line 4.
Interesting things you might not know
He's a fan of Italian cuisine, thanks to his father.
He has Italian and New Zealand citizenship.
As a child, he admired Paolo Maldini and Marcello.
He studies languages and is passionate about European history.
Liberato Cacace embodies a story of perseverance from the other side of the world. With talent, humility, and a strong mentality, he has made his mark on every team he plays for. And although his name isn't yet as well-known as some other footballers, his steady progress has put him on the radar of major clubs. He undoubtedly has the potential to go much further.
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