Nutritional knowledge and dietary practices in semi-professional and professional Italian soccer players

BACKGROUND: Soccer is the most practiced sport globally, and adequate dietary intake can significantly impact athletic performance. This study aimed to assess the nutritional knowledge of semi-professional and professional Italian soccer players and evaluate whether their dietary intake aligns with international recommendation for elite soccer players. METHODS: Male players from two Italian football league teams (one in Category C, one in Category D) participated during the regular season. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected during the initial visit. Nutrition knowledge was evaluated using a simplified version of the "Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire" (NSKQ). Participants completed a 4-day food diary and dietary data were compared against dietary references for elite athletes and soccer players. RESULTS: Twenty-five soccer players (11 from a Category C team and 14 from a Category D team) participated in the study. Total energy intake was consistently below recommendations but increased on match days. Category C players consumed more protein and fat but fewer carbohydrates than Category D players, with significant differences on specific days (P