Roberto Donadoni

Roberto Donadoni (born September 9, 1963 in Cisano Bergamasco) is an Italian football (soccer) player. He was a cornerstone of the powerhouse A.C. 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 MetroStars. He is currently the manager of Serie A side Livorno.

Related Topics:
September 9 - 1963 - Cisano Bergamasco - Italian - Football (soccer) - A.C. Milan - 1980s - 1990s - Major League Soccer - MetroStars - Serie A - Livorno

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Donadoni started his career with Atalanta Bergamo 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 {{Wc|1994}}s, helping Italy to third and second place finishes respectively.

Related Topics:
Atalanta Bergamo - European Cups - European Super Cup - Intercontinental Cups - Italian national team - 1990

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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 and was widely considered their best player at {{Ec|96}}, at the age of 32. 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 genius could not bring the MetroStars any success as a club.

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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.

Related Topics:
Al-Ittihad - Saudi Arabia

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Never a big scorer, Donadoni scored just 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.

Related Topics:
Lecco - Genoa

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