Lazio Player

Emílson Sánchez Cribari (born 6 March 1980 in Cambará, Paraná, Brazil) is a Brazilian footballer currently playing for Lazio. He normally plays the role of centre back, and is predominantly left-footed.

Cribari started his career in his home state of Paraná, with Londrina Esporte Clube. From Londrina, he mnoved to Italy where he began his Serie A career with Empoli and Udinese.

Lazio

Cribari joined Lazio in 2005 from Udinese. In his first two seasons, he established himself as a regular in the Biancoceleste defence, and gained a reputation as a quality and uncompromising player. Cribari was a key man in Lazio's successful season in 2006-07, when they achieved a third place finish to qualify for the Champions League.

He fractured his jaw and cheekbone in Lazio's UEFA Champions League clash with Dinamo Bucharest and was ruled initially ruled out for over two months, but managed to return for Lazio's second leg win only two weeks later. However, his recent form since returning from the injury has been poor, and not of the high standards he set during his first seasons at the club.

International career

Cribari has never played international football, however he is eligible to play for both Brazil and his adopted country of Italy. Recently it has been speculated that Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was interested in calling Cribari to the Azzurri due to his Italian heritage, but he has refused this option, stating his desire to one day be called up for the Seleçao.