Roberto Donadoni

Roberto Donadoni (born September 9, 1963 in Cisano Bergamasco, Province of Bergamo, Lombardy) is an Italian football (soccer) manager and former player. He was a pillar of the powerhouse AC Milan teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s and one of the pioneers of Major League Soccer, where he played two seasons for the NY/NJ MetroStars.

On July 13, 2006, the Italian Football Federation announced Roberto Donadoni as the new head coach of the Italian national teamDonadoni named new Italian coach, therefore succeeding Marcello Lippi, who resigned after having won the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Career as a player

Donadoni started his career with Atalanta B.C. in 1982. He transferred to Milan in 1986 and became a mainstay in the team. Usually playing a left midfield role, Donadoni was a vital cog in a team that won five Serie A titles, three European Cups, three European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups. A member of the Italian national team, he played in the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, helping Italy to third and second place finishes respectively.

The MetroStars of MLS made him a centerpiece of their franchise when they signed him in 1996. While with the Metros, he was recalled to the Italian national team. He came back to MLS, but in the league's first two formative years, Donadoni's class was often wasted. He still proved a spectacular performer, being named to the league Best XI in 1996. Unfortunately, Donadoni's play could not bring the MetroStars any success as a club.

He went back to AC Milan after the 1997 MLS season, and promptly helped them to another Serie A title, his sixth. He ended his career by playing for a short time with Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia.

Career as a manager

Donadoni scored 21 goals for Milan and six for the MetroStars. He added five for Italy in 63 caps. After retiring as a player, he coached Italian clubs Lecco (2001-02), Livorno (2002-03) and Genoa (2003-04). In 2005, he returned to head Livorno in mid-season. After leading them to a surprising ninth-place finish and having the club in sixth place midway through the 2005-06 season, Donadoni resigned over criticism from club chairman Aldo Spinelli.

In July 2006, following the resignation of Marcello Lippi after the Italian National Team won the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Donadoni was named as Italy's new head coach, his first task being to successfully lead the World Champions through qualification for Euro 2008.

References

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Career as a player

Career as a manager

References