Roberto Donadoni is an Italian football manager and former player. He was born on September 9, 1963. He played as a midfielder, often on the wing.

Donadoni was known for his skill and ability to play in different midfield positions. He started his career at Atalanta. Later, he became a key player for AC Milan, one of the strongest teams in Europe. He won many titles with Milan. After that, he played for the MetroStars in the United States. He finished his playing career with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in 2000.

He also played for the Italian national team for many years. He played in the European Championships in 1988 and 1996. He also played in the FIFA World Cup in 1990 and 1994. With Italy, he won a bronze medal in the 1990 World Cup and a silver medal in the 1994 World Cup. He played 63 games for Italy and scored five goals.

After retiring as a player, Donadoni became a manager in 2001. He coached several Italian clubs like Lecco, Livorno, and Genoa. He even became the head coach of the Italian national team from 2006 to 2008. He later managed clubs like Napoli, Cagliari, Parma, Bologna, and Shenzhen in China.

Playing Career Highlights

Starting at Atalanta and Joining AC Milan

Roberto Donadoni began his football journey with Atalanta in 1982. He helped them win the Serie C1 title and then the Serie B title in 1984.

In 1986, he moved to AC Milan. This was a very successful time for him. He became a crucial part of the famous Milan team that won many titles in Italy and Europe. Donadoni usually played on the right side of the midfield. He was important to Milan's success under coaches Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello.

With Milan, he won six Serie A titles, which is the top Italian league. He also won three European Cups, which is Europe's biggest club competition. Other trophies included four Supercoppa Italiana (Italian Super Cup), three European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups. He reached the Coppa Italia final twice but did not win it.

In a 1989 European Cup game, Donadoni was seriously injured after a tackle. He recovered and later scored a goal against Real Madrid in the semi-finals. In the 1989 European Cup final, he helped Milan win 4–0 against Steaua București. He also assisted a goal in the 1994 UEFA Champions League final, where Milan beat Barcelona 4–0.

Playing in the United States

After winning his fifth Serie A title with Milan, Donadoni decided to play in the United States. He joined the NY/NJ MetroStars in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996. He was a key player for the team and was even called back to play for the Italian national team during this time.

He was named to the MLS Best XI in 1996, which means he was one of the best players in the league. He also played in the MLS All-Star Game. Despite his good performances, the MetroStars did not achieve much success as a team. Donadoni scored six goals during his time with the MetroStars.

Return to Milan and Final Season

Donadoni returned to Milan after the 1997 MLS season. He helped them reach another Coppa Italia final in 1998. He also won another Serie A title in 1999 under coach Alberto Zaccheroni. This was his sixth and final Serie A title. In total, he scored 18 goals for Milan in 287 league games. Across all competitions, he played 390 games and scored 23 goals for Milan.

He finished his playing career with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. He won the Saudi Premier League with them in the 1999–2000 season before retiring from professional football.

International Career for Italy

Early Years and World Cup 1990

Roberto Donadoni played for the Italy under-21 team and reached the final of the 1986 European Under-21 Championship. He made his debut for the senior Italian national team on October 8, 1986.

He quickly became an important player for Italy. He helped them reach the semi-finals of Euro 1988. He then played in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Italy. Italy finished in third place. In the semi-final penalty shootout against Argentina, Donadoni unfortunately missed his penalty. He played five games in that tournament.

World Cup 1994 and Euro 1996

Donadoni also played in the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Italy reached the final but lost to Brazil in a penalty shootout. Donadoni did not take a penalty in that final shootout. On the way to the final, he set up a goal for Dino Baggio against Spain in the quarter-finals. He also helped set up Roberto Baggio's first goal against Bulgaria in the semi-finals.

He represented Italy at UEFA Euro 1996, which was his last international tournament. He played in all three group matches. His final game for Italy was on June 19, 1996, a 0–0 draw against Germany. Italy was eliminated in the first round of that tournament. Overall, Donadoni played 63 games for Italy and scored five goals.

Playing Style

Roberto Donadoni is considered one of Italy's best wingers ever. He was a very consistent and talented player. He could play almost anywhere in midfield, except as a defensive midfielder. He was often used on the right side of the field.

He was known for his speed, quickness, and excellent dribbling skills. He could often beat defenders with clever moves. Donadoni also had great stamina and understood tactics well. This allowed him to play as a "box-to-box" midfielder, helping both defense and attack.

Later in his career, he played more as a playmaker. He was good at creating attacking chances for his team with his vision and passing. He could deliver accurate crosses and take good free kicks. He was also able to shoot powerfully from a distance with either foot. The famous French player Michel Platini once called him Italy's greatest player of the 1990s. Donadoni himself said that his greatest joy came from making the pass that led to a goal.

Managerial Career

Early Club Coaching

After retiring as a player, Donadoni became a coach. His first coaching job was with Lecco in 2001. He then coached Livorno (2002–2003) and Genoa (2003).

In 2005, he returned to coach Livorno. He led them to a surprising ninth-place finish in the league. He resigned in 2006 due to disagreements with the club chairman.

Coaching the Italian National Team

In July 2006, Donadoni was chosen as the new head coach for the Italian national team. This happened after Marcello Lippi resigned, just days after Italy won the 2006 World Cup. Donadoni's main goal was to help Italy qualify for UEFA Euro 2008.

His first game as Italy coach was a friendly match against Croatia, which Italy lost 2–0. Italy's start to Euro 2008 qualifying was also difficult, with a draw against Lithuania and a loss to France. However, Donadoni led Italy to five wins in a row. Italy eventually qualified for Euro 2008 by topping their group, ahead of France.

Euro 2008 Tournament

At Euro 2008, Italy suffered a 3–0 loss to the Netherlands. Donadoni was criticized for his team selection in that game. Italy then drew with Romania. They managed to beat France 2–0 to reach the quarter-finals.

In the quarter-finals, Italy played against Spain, who would go on to win the tournament. The game ended in a 0–0 draw, and Spain won 4–2 on penalties. After Italy's performance, Donadoni was removed as coach on June 26, 2008. Lippi returned as the national team manager.

Later Club Coaching Career

Napoli

On March 10, 2009, Donadoni became the new head coach of Napoli. His first game was a 1–1 draw. However, after a loss to Roma in October 2009, Donadoni was dismissed as Napoli manager.

Cagliari

On November 16, 2010, Donadoni took over as head coach of Cagliari, a team struggling in Serie A. Under him, Cagliari won their next two matches. However, on August 12, 2011, just before the start of the new season, Donadoni was surprisingly sacked by the club chairman. Reports suggested disagreements over player transfers.

Parma

On January 9, 2012, Donadoni became the head coach of Parma. The team was close to the relegation zone at the time. Parma's results quickly improved under Donadoni. They won seven Serie A matches in a row, which was a club record. Parma finished the season in eighth place.

Donadoni's contract was extended in 2012. In the 2013–2014 season, Donadoni guided Parma to sixth place in Serie A. This meant they qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the first time since 2007. However, they were not allowed to play in the tournament due to financial issues at the club.

The following season, Parma faced severe financial problems and went bankrupt in March 2015. The club finished last in the league. Donadoni, who had not received wages since July 2014, left the club at the end of the season.

Bologna

In October 2015, Donadoni was hired by Bologna, a newly promoted Serie A club. He coached Bologna until May 24, 2018.

Shenzhen

On July 30, 2019, Donadoni was appointed manager of the Chinese club Shenzhen. He coached them until August 2020.

Honours and Achievements

Player Honours

Milan

Serie A: 1987–88, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99
Coppa Italia runner-up: 1989–90, 1997–98
Supercoppa Italiana: 1992, 1993, 1994
European Cup/UEFA Champions League: 1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94
European Super Cup: 1989, 1990, 1994
Intercontinental Cup: 1989, 1990

Atalanta

Serie B: 1983–84
Serie C1: 1981–82

Al-Ittihad

Saudi Premier League: 1999–2000

Italy National Team

FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1994; third place: 1990
UEFA European Championship semi-finalist: 1988
UEFA U-21 European Football Championship runner-up: 1986

Individual Awards

Serie A Team of The Year: 1986
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1990
MLS All-star: 1996, 1997
MLS Best XI: 1996
Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea": 1998
Premio internazionale Giacinto Facchetti: 2015
AC Milan Hall of Fame

Orders

5th Class / Knight: Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 1991

Roberto Donadoni facts for kids

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