Matteo Legittimo

Matteo Legittimo is an Italian centre-back, born in Casarano on 17 June 1989. A left-footed defender, he developed in Lecce’s youth system before beginning senior football through loans at Pistoiese, Paganese and Barletta. He then moved through Salernitana, Grosseto, Trapani and Lecce, building experience across Italy’s professional divisions. His return to Lecce in January 2018 preceded a promotion campaign from Serie C. Legittimo later spent three seasons with Cosenza in Serie B, his longest and most stable spell. At 1.84m, Legittimo combines central defending with the ability to operate on the left side of a back line, using his stronger foot in build-up play. In 2024–25, he returned to Casarano Calcio and scored three goals in 31 matches before joining San Marino’s SS Virtus. He then played both legs of the club’s UEFA Conference League qualifying tie against Breidablik in 2025.