Profile

The 2007/08 domestic season ended badly for Dario Knežević as his club, AS Livorno Calcio, finished bottom of Serie A and were relegated. However, the tough-tackling defender was undoubtedly one of the team's best performers in a disappointing campaign and did enough to earn a place in Slaven Bilić's UEFA EURO 2008 squad.

Made the grade in Croatia with hometown club HNK Rijeka, winning domestic cup two seasons running (2004/05 and 2005/06); played in both legs of the two finals (against HNK Hajduk Split and NK Varteks, respectively).

Never scored a league goal in four seasons at Rijeka; also failed to pass beyond the qualifying round in three successive UEFA Cup campaigns.

Joined Livorno on three-year contract in August 2006, making Serie A debut, against FC Internazionale Milano, two months later.

Scored three goals in 35 appearances in 2007/08.

Just one UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying appearance – in 6-0 victory away to Andorra – but came on as a substitute in first two friendlies of 2008 v Netherlands and Scotland.

Did you know?

Knežević joined Livorno just a couple of weeks after playing in the city for Croatia against Italy – and beating the just-crowned world champions 2-0.