[5] A fast and powerful forward, with a good touch, he is considered to be one of the best Italian strikers of all time.

Amadei was known for his ability to run forward with the ball from midfield and find spaces in the opposing defence, as well as his prolific goalscoring, acrobatic ability in the air, and precise volleying, which allowed him to excel in the centre-forward role; due to his importance to Roma throughout his career, he was affectionately known by the fans as the "eighth King of Rome".

[2][4][6][7][8] Amadei was born in Frascati, near Rome, the son of a baker, which earned him the nickname "Fornaretto."

[2][9][10][11] A week later he scored in a 5–1 defeat to A.S. Lucchese Libertas 1905 on 9 May 1937, making him the youngest scorer in Serie A history, a record he holds to this day.

[2][13] The following year, he participated in the 1950 FIFA World Cup with Italy, where he made one appearance during the tournament, in a 2–0 win over Paraguay.