Profile

Midfielder Paul Codrea's international career enjoyed something of a renaissance in the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers as he started eight matches – more than in any previous qualifying campaign. Despite a mid-season knee injury, he has just completed a fine domestic campaign in Italy's Serie A with AC Siena.

Has spent most of his club career in Italy, the majority in Serie B.

Left FC Argeş Piteşti for Serie B side Genoa CFC in January 2001; club relegated to Serie C1 in 2003 but only after he had left for US Città di Palermo.

First Serie A game came when loaned to AC Perugia in 2003/04, making his debut on 1 February 2004 at home to Parma FC (2-2); then played in the top-flight for Palermo in 2005/06 after a season at Torino FC.

Reached the UEFA Cup Round of 16 with Palermo in 2005/06 in his only European campaign to date.

First cap came in November 2000 and was prominent at first, but no consistency of selection thereafter until UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying, where good form for Siena caught national coach Victor Piţurcă's eye.

Did you know?

Codrea went on loan from Serie B side Palermo to Serie A's Perugia midway through the 2003/04 season. In his absence Palermo won promotion, whereas Perugia were relegated (after losing a play-off to ACF Fiorentina).