18 - Damiano Tommasi
Sunday, 10th Aug 2008 22:49

QPR signed veteran Italian midfielder Damiano Tommasi on a free transfer from Levante in September 2008.

DOB: 17/05/74
Contract: 2009

Tommasi began his career in Serie B with Hellas Verona and after three years there he was purchased by Serie A giants Roma. He won the Italian championship at the Stadio Olympico in 2001, acting as a calming influence at the base of a five man midfield formation. During this time he won 25 Italian caps including starts in all four games at the 2002 World Cup where the Azzuri were eventually eliminated by hosts South Korea.

Tommasi has struggled with injuries recently – started off by our old friend Gerry Taggert who clashed with the Italian in a pre-season friendly between Stoke and Roma in 2004. Tommasi was ruled out of action for 18 months during which time he insisted Roma pay him only youth team wages until he regained fitness. Tommasi has spent much of his career setting an example like this and campaigns for footballer’s disciplinary fines to go to good causes.

Tommasi left Roma after a decade with the club to join La Liga newboys Levante who stayed up in his first season but were relegated in 2007/08 and he was released on a free transfer at the end of the campaign. He started 2008/09 without a club but was quickly snapped up by QPR in September on a one season contract.

Iain Dowie told the club’s official website: “The signing of Damiano adds great experience to the squad. He’ll compliment what Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands provide in that area. He has played at the highest level for club and country and to have a player of that calibre available can only be good for QPR.

“We’ve got some fantastic young talent in the squad and training with somebody of Damiano’s stature will be of huge benefit to them I’m sure. In the short term he could prove very useful to us.”