Francesco Lodi

Empoli

Lodi started his career as part of Empoli youth system, being later promoted to the first team in 2003, despite his senior debut came during the 2000–01 season. During the winter transfer market, Empoli opted to loan the player out to Vicenza, in Serie B, for the player to gain regular playing time. He went on to make 11 appearances for the biancorossi before returning to Empoli for the 2004–05 season, following their relegation. In his first full season with the Tuscan side, Lodi made 27 league appearances, scoring six goals and helping them earn instant promotion back to Serie A. Lodi remained with Empoli, his first full season in Serie A. The midfielder made just 17 appearances, however, and failed to hold down first team football. He scored no goals.

Loan to Frosinone

For the 2006–07 season, Empoli loaned Lodi to Serie B side Frosinone for €50,000. Lodi instantly earned a starting role with the club, making 40 appearances out of a possible 42, scoring 11 goals. Despite his form, Empoli opted to keep the player at the Latium-based club in co-ownership deal for €1.4 million, where Lodi would continue his form. He went on to make 41 appearances for the second division side and scored a very impressive 20 goals as a midfielder. In January 2008, Empoli also bought back the 50% registration rights from Frosinone for €800,000.

Return to Empoli

Following Empoli's relegation from Serie A, the loan was not re-newed and the player spent the…

Lodi was a player of the Italian under-19 team. He took part in 2001 UEFA European Under-16 Championship, the last named as under-16 event. Due to UEFA U-21 Championship had changed from an even year event to odd year event, new coach Pierluigi Casiraghi called him up as senior member of the squad for 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, eligible to players born 1984 or after. He made his Italy under-21 debut against Croatia in a friendly match on 15 August 2006 at the age of 22. Lodi did not receive a call-up for 2004–06 season of U21.

Italy U19 UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2003 Catania Serie D: 2022–23 (Group I)