The Great Italian Player Thread [Post-1990]

Discussion in 'Soccer History' started by Cassano, Feb 8, 2005.

  1. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Eugenio Corini will be done over the course of the next few days...
     
  2. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Eugenio Corini

    Here's an interesting photo: Corini tries to contain Diego Maradona while playing for Juventus
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Eugenio Corini was born on July 30, 1970 in the town on Bagnolo Mella, near Brescia. He is a midfielder and is a free-kick and penalty kick specialist. He has a really powerful shot and can launch rockets from 30 yards out. He was scouted and made a part of the Brescia Primavera squad. At 16 years of age he was a part of the Brescia first team for the 1986/87 season, but didn't play one game. Brescia were relegated to Serie B. The next season he started to make his impact and played in 14 games. As an 18 year old he became a regular in the 88/89 season and played 29 games for the club from the Lombardy region. In 89/90, he played 34 games and scored 9 goals, enough to get recognized by Serie A giants Juventus. He made the move to Juventus in the summer of 1990 and played 25 games the following season, scoring 1 goal, pretty good for a 20-year old. He was also a big part of the Under-21 side of the early 90's, and was an influential member of the European championship winning squad. Despite his U-21 successes, he never made one appearance for the full National team. He played another 22 games for Juve the following year, scoring 1 goal, but was then sold to Sampdoria for the 93/93 season. He scored 4 goals in 24 games for the Bluecerchiati, but had injury problems. He was sold off again to Napoli, and only played 14 games, scoring no goals. In November of 1994, hometown club Brescia took him back, and he played in 24 games and scored 2 goals. He was again offloaded and brought to Piacenza, where he played 32 games and scored 1 goal. He was then given to Hellas Verona, who were relegated and played in Serie B. He stayed on until October 1998, when Hellas loaned him to cross-town rivals Chievo Verona. He became captain at Chievo and in 2000/2001, Chievo acheived the unthinkable. Led by young striker Bernardo Corradi, and midfielders Eriberto (now Luciano), Corini, and Manfredini, they finished atop Serie B and were promoted for the first time ever. They were always seen as the losing team of Verona and finally broke the curse. Not only that, they played great in Serie A, and were in first place at the Winter break. But after the break, they started to slip, and wound up finishing 5th. They also finished midtable the following year. In November 2002, Trapattoni called up Corini for a friendly game, but Corini could not make his appearance because of a thigh strain. In 2003/2004, he was dealt to Serie B team Palermo, who expected to be promoted. Corini, as captain, played 40 games and scored 12 goals, having the best season of his career. They finished on top of the Serie B standings and were promoted to Serie A for the first time in over 30 years. Corini is still on Palermo and is anchoring the Palermo midfield. They are on course to qualify for European competition for the first time in their history.
     
  3. Italia4life

    Italia4life Red Card

    May 13, 2005
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    You Guys Roberto Baggio Ha he was good the GreaTEST Paolo Rossi The Golden Boy if it wasn't for him we would only have 2 worldcups and how about Dino Zoff greatest goalkeeper ever
     
  4. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Here is Andrea Fortunato:

    [​IMG]

    Andrea Fortunato was born on July 26, 1971 in the city of Salerno, which is an hour away from Napoli and most famously known for the Allied landing there during World War II. He played left-back, and was a natural. He did not play with hometown team Salernitana, but started up north, with AC Como. He started there as a 17 year old, and the 1988/89 season was his first. He spent 3 seasons at Como, making 27 appearances in Serie C1 and 16 in Serie B. After that he was bought by Serie A club Genoa, but put on loan for the 91/92 season to Pisa. He impressed in his 25 appearances in Serie B, and Genoa took him back for the 92/93 season. He, along with Christian Pannuci, became revelations at the back for Genoa, and was impressing many big clubs. He played 33 games in the top-flight and scored 3 goals. It wasn't bad for a player in his first season of Serie A. He was an all-around left-back. He defended solidly, ran up and down the left flank, crossed in balls for the forwards, and even went up for the odd header off of set pieces. He was being compared to Paolo Maldini. After the season, he was snapped up by giants Juventus, while Pannuci made the move to AC Milan. He was given his first and only National team cap when he played against Estonia on September 22nd. He impressed coach Arrigo Sacchi alot. Many were tipping Fortunato to be the next great Italian defender. At 23 years of age, he was in Juve's starting 11 and wore Antonio Cabrini's famous #3 jersey, he was soon to be a National team regular, and his attractive looks had all the girls of Italy falling for him. Everything was going right for young Andrea. Everything was good until mid-season. He started to not feel well and went to the doctor. After various medical tests, the doctor announced the verdict. Andrea was diagnosed with leukemia. He stopped playing and started his first therapy in Torino. He was then transferred to Perugia for a bone marrow transplant. Everything looked to be going on course until one morning he woke up with a case of bronchitis. The bronchitis killed his weak immune system and Andrea Fortunato was pronounced dead. The Azzurri players received the news right before their match with Lithiuania in Vilnius. A moment of silence was observed in his memory. His funeral was celebrated on the 26th of April in Salerno. Teammates, coaches, relatives, and anyone else who wanted to pay their respects were there. A few weeks after that, Juventus won their 23rd Scudetto. It was dedicated to Andrea. Who knows how great of a player Andrea Fortunato could've been. He could've been the next Paolo Maldini. But it's something we will never find out.
     
  5. Duck Manson

    Duck Manson Member+

    Feb 8, 2005
    Club:
    Juventus FC
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    thanks man :) Fortunato was definitely special.
     
  6. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Antonio Conte

    [​IMG]
    Antonio Conte was born on July 31, 1969 in the southern town of Lecce, which is in the region of Puglia, where Bari also lies. He was a strong defensive midfielder throughout his career and was known for his excellent crossing and volleying ability. Most of his goals were scored in spectacular fashion. Antonio was a promising footballer growing up and was spotted playing in the streets by Lecce scouts. He was part of their youth academy and at 17 years old made 2 appearances for the first team in the 1985/86 season. Lecce were relegated. He didn't appear the following season, and only made 3 appearances the season after that. Despite not playing, Lecce were promoted, and in the 1988/89 season, Conte finally started to make his impact. He made 19 appearances that season and 28 the following season, scoring his first Serie A goal. The following season was when he started to get noticed. He again made 28 appearances and at the end of the season Juventus bought young Conte. In his first season at Juve, he only made 14 appearances and didn't play a prominent role. It wasn't until the 92/93 season that Conte started to make a mark. He was an ironman for Juve in the 92/93 season, making 31 appearances and scoring 2 goals. The following season was even better. He made 32 appearances and scored 4 goals. For his efforts, Arrigo Sacchi gave him his first cap in a friendly against Finland in Parma on May 27, 2004. Playing well, Sacchi decided to bring him to the USA for World Cup '94. He made 2 appearances at the World Cup, in the quarterfinal against Spain and in the Semi-final against Bulgaria. He played in the qualifiers for Euro'96 and World Cup '98, but was not brought to either torunament. Over the next 6 seasons, he made 123 appearances for Juve, acting as captain in many of them, and scoring 18 goals. He spent the 97-98 season injured, which is partly the reason he could not go to France for the World Cup. Dino Zoff brought him to Euro 2000, and it payed off. In Italy's first game against Turkey, Inzaghi played a bouncing ball across the box. Conte was on the penalty spot and the ball bounced just above his body. He threw his body in the air and performed a spectacular bicycle kick that put Italy in the lead. Italy won 2-1. He was an influential member of the squad and played until the quarter-final, where Gheorge Hagi of Romania stepped on his foot, injuring Conte for the rest of the tournament. That was his last international cap. He had 20 caps and 2 goals. After Euro 2000, Conte was starting to get old and did not feature as much for Juve anymore. He stilled played and came on as sub often. In 2002/2003, Juve reached the Champion's League final. They faced AC Milan. Conte was put on at half-time and immediately an impact. A cross was directed at the top of the box, and Conte performed a ferocious diving header, which rattled the crossbar, leaving Dida helpless. He could've given Juve the lead, but they lost on penalties. After 2003/2004 season, where he only made 16 appearances, he announced his retirement. Hometown club Lecce tried to lure him to play for them, but he refused. He finished his career with 1 Champion's League, 1 UEFA Cup, 5 Scudetti, 2 Italian supercups, and 1 Coppa Italia.
     
  7. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Up next:

    Gianfranco Matteoli
    Pietro Paolo Virdis
    Nicola Berti
     
  8. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    If it wasn't for Ravanelli, soccer/football wouldn't have got my attention very quickly. I loved his celebrations, the ones were he lifted his shirt over his head.

    He got sick just before France 98 started and that's why Enrico Chiesa was placed in the Squadra Azzurra.

    Cassano Future of Italy, this is the greatest thread ever! This is what you call grande qualita'.
     
  9. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Dino Baggio's goal against Spain at USA 94 was one of the greatest goals that I've seen Italy score at a World Cup. A great player indeed.

    I don't know what you guys think but I reckon Nicola Berti was one of the worst players I've seen playing for the Azzurri. I've watched highlights of him playing at Italia 90 and USA 94 and he was someone that really got on my nerves.
     
  10. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    I only started to see him play when he was playing for Lazio and even at that age I thought he was a very good player.

    Unfortunately he is one of those players that didn't get enough playing time with the Azzurri. At Italia 90 he would have been very useful because Vialli was struggling with injury, Carnevale was a shocker, Serena wasn't as good as Mancini and Baggio sadly was another player that wasn't given enough time. Despite Schillaci's performances, it would have been great if he had a regular striking partner to back him up.
     
  11. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Isn't he coaching Monza now?
     
  12. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Actually it was Vialli who supplied the cross.

    Is there any chance that you will do Luigi De Agostini or is he more of a 1980s player?
     
  13. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    I was wondering why there haven't been any pictures of the former Sampdoria players during their days with Sampdoria? If you can find some Cassano Future of Italy or anybody else. Thank you.

    Cassano, can you do one on both Giancarlo Marocchi and Ancelotti? I'm not sure about Ancelotti because he played most of his career in the 80s. All I know about Marocchi is that he was born on the 4th July 1965, played for Juve in their 1990 and 1993 UEFA Cup wins and he was selected for the Italian team at Italia 90 but he didn't play a match.

    Giannini crossed for Schillaci in the match against Czechoslovakia, the match when Baggio scored that wondergoal.
     
  14. sardus_pater

    sardus_pater Member

    Mar 21, 2004
    Sardinia Italy EU
    Club:
    Cagliari Calcio
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    He was as much talented as roby baggio (different qualities but still). This gives you an idea of how much he was good.
    When he was at Lazio he was already a player at the end of his career. Still good though.
    When he played for Samp he was fantastic. Too bad he didn't manage to play at the same level in the NT. Lots of bad luck and quality competition, I guess.
    The same can be said for Zola.
     
  15. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Sadly for us, Zola and Mancini weren't the only ones. There were more who were like those two.

    Thanks to this thread, it has made me realise how much depth Italy has and because of that, the fact that the Azzurri haven't brought home the World Cup since 1982 is hard to believe.
     
  16. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    I was thinking of doing Marocchi. He had a long career with Juve and then finished his career off with Bologna. He is now assistant coach at Bologna. It's a possibility. I don't know about Ancelotti though, because he played most of his career in the 80's.

    Here's one of Vialli and Mancini:
    [​IMG]

    Celebrating the Cup-Winner's Cup Win:
    [​IMG]
     
  17. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Great pictures! Thanks Cassano!
     
  18. When Hell Unfreezes

    Jan 8, 2004
    London
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    You should go back further, there are too many great names from my era missing, just for example, Zoff, Gaetano Scirea, Rossi, Tardelli & Claudio Gentile - nice thread though :)
     
  19. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Cassano was doing profiles of players who were famous since 1990.

    Cassano, are there going to be anymore profiles or have you finished with them? Just wondering.
     
  20. dor02

    dor02 Member

    Aug 9, 2004
    Melbourne
    Club:
    UC Sampdoria
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    I forgot to mention that Mancini played at Euro 88 and he scored Italy's goal against the West Germans.
     
  21. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    I'm not finished. Nicola Berti will be finished soon.
     
  22. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Nicola Berti

    [​IMG]

    Nicola Berti was born in Salsomaggiore Terme, near Parma, on April 14, 1967.
    He was a tough-tackling central midfielder and was a lynchpin in the the Inter midfield for most of the 1990's. He began his career as youngster at Parma, and later impressed many teams but was bought by Fiorentina. Some great years in Florence attracted the attention of Inter. Inter brought him in for the 1988-89 season. Also, it was in October of 1988 that he made his Azzurri debut, one of 39 caps with Italy, scoring 3 goals in total. He was a protagonist in Inter's scudetto winning campaign that season, playing in 32 games and scoring 7 goals, proving to be one of Italy's best midfielders at the time. He also is credited with being 100% anti-Milan and once said, ""meglio sconfitti che milanisti" (Losses are better than Milanisti). The next season, he played 25 games and scored 5 goals, and was called up to the World Cup squad. Once Sacchi took over as Azzurri coach, Berti was a mainstay in the Italian midfield. In 93-94, he was injured the whole year and only made 9 appearances. But Sacchi still brought him to USA '94. He played in every game at the World Cup, but Italy lost to Brazil on penalties. His 95-96 season was also disturbed by injury, so he didn't take part in Euro '96. He continued to be a mainstay with Inter until the 97-98 season, where he only made 4 appearances. After that, Inter sold him to Tottenham in England. He played a decent season in the Premier League, scoring some decisive goals and playing hard. After that season, he started to move around. He had a stint in Mexico then he moved to Alaves in Spain, and finally he ended his career trying to promote soccer in Australia, playing for the Northern Spirit. He is now an Inter fan through and through and can be seen watching matches at the San Siro.
     
  23. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    Now that I am done with all suggested players, I am open to suggestions once again. I know that the next one will be Angelo Peruzzi, so don't suggest him.
     
  24. phillips10

    phillips10 New Member

    Oct 15, 2001
    Cranford
    Club:
    New York Red Bulls
    Re: The Great Italian Player Thread

    how about Attilio Lombardo or Vierchowod?..
     
  25. Cassano

    Cassano Member

    Jul 16, 2004
    Club:
    AC Milan
    Nat'l Team:
    Italy

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