Roberto Donadoni

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Roberto Donadoni

| image = Roberto Donadoni - SSC Neapel (2) (cropped).jpg

| caption = Donadoni with Napoli in 2009

| full_name = Roberto Donadoni{{cite web |url=https://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/insigniti/211799 |title=Donadoni Sig. Roberto |trans-title=Donadoni Mr. Roberto |website=Quirinale |publisher=Presidenza della Repubblica Italiana |access-date=13 December 2020 |language=it}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|9|9|df=y}}

| birth_place = Cisano Bergamasco, Italy

| height = 1.73 m

| position = Midfielder

| currentclub =

| youthyears1 = 1981–1982

| youthclubs1 = Atalanta

| years1 = 1982–1986

| clubs1 = Atalanta

| caps1 = 96

| goals1 = 5

| years2 = 1986–1996

| clubs2 = Milan

| caps2 = 261

| goals2 = 18

| years3 = 1996–1997

| clubs3 = MetroStars

| caps3 = 49

| goals3 = 6

| years4 = 1997–1999

| clubs4 = Milan

| caps4 = 24

| goals4 = 0

| years5 = 1999–2000

| clubs5 = Al-Ittihad

| caps5 = 15

| goals5 = 0

| totalcaps = 445

| totalgoals = 29

| nationalyears1 = 1984–1986

| nationalteam1 = Italy U21

| nationalcaps1 = 13

| nationalgoals1 = 1

| nationalyears2 = 1986–1996

| nationalteam2 = Italy

| nationalcaps2 = 63

| nationalgoals2 = 5

| manageryears1 = 2001

| managerclubs1 = Lecco

| manageryears2 = 2002

| managerclubs2 = Lecco

| manageryears3 = 2002–2003

| managerclubs3 = Livorno

| manageryears4 = 2003

| managerclubs4 = Genoa

| manageryears5 = 2005–2006

| managerclubs5 = Livorno

| manageryears6 = 2006–2008

| managerclubs6 = Italy

| manageryears7 = 2009

| managerclubs7 = Napoli

| manageryears8 = 2010–2011

| managerclubs8 = Cagliari

| manageryears9 = 2012–2015

| managerclubs9 = Parma

| manageryears10 = 2015–2018

| managerclubs10 = Bologna

| manageryears11 = 2019–2020

| managerclubs11 = Shenzhen

| manageryears12 = 2023

| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}

{{MedalCountry|{{fb|ITA}}}}

}}

Roberto Donadoni {{postnominals|post-noms=Cavaliere OMRI}} ({{IPA|it|roˈbɛrto donaˈdoːni}}; born 9 September 1963) is an Italian football manager and former midfielder.

A skilful and versatile winger, Donadoni was capable of playing on either flank, or in the centre.{{cite web|url=http://www.milannews.it/altre-notizie/sconcerti-donadoni-era-un-giocatore-completo-ora-e-un-eccellente-allenatore-107969|title=Sconcerti: "Donadoni era un giocatore completo, ora è un eccellente allenatore|website=milannews.it|language=it|access-date=11 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911142445/http://www.milannews.it/altre-notizie/sconcerti-donadoni-era-un-giocatore-completo-ora-e-un-eccellente-allenatore-107969|archive-date=11 September 2014}} He began his career with Atalanta, and later he became a pillar of the powerhouse AC Milan team of the late 1980s and early 1990s, achieving domestic and international success during his time with the club. In his later career, he was also one of the pioneers of Major League Soccer, where he played two seasons for the NY/NJ MetroStars, before ending his career with Saudi Premier League side Ittihad in 2000.

At international level, Donadoni was also an important member of the Italy national team throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. He represented his country at the 1988 and 1996 European Championships, and at the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups. With Italy, he reached the semi-finals of Euro 1988, and won bronze and silver medals at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups respectively, earning 63 caps and scoring five goals over a decade.

Following his playing career, Donadoni began a career as a manager in 2001, which included spells with Italian clubs Lecco, Livorno and Genoa. He was later appointed head coach of the Italy national team, succeeding Marcello Lippi, who resigned after having won the 2006 World Cup. At Euro 2008, with Donadoni as coach, Italy reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, losing to eventual champions Spain on penalties. On 26 June 2008, Donadoni was dismissed despite having signed a contract extension prior to the beginning of Euro 2008, using a clause in the contract which allowed termination if Italy did not reach the semi-final. He was replaced by Lippi, who returned as national team manager. Following his position as Italy head coach, Donadoni managed Napoli, Cagliari and Parma, until the latter club's bankruptcy in 2015. He then joined Bologna the following season.

Club career

=Atalanta and AC Milan=

Donadoni started his career with Atalanta in 1982, winning the Serie C1 title, and the Serie B title in 1984. He joined AC Milan in 1986 and he became a mainstay in the legendary team that dominated Italy and Europe in the late 1980s and early-to-mid-1990s. Usually playing a right-sided wide midfield role, Donadoni was a vital part of Milan's squad under both Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups, four Supercoppa Italiana, three European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups during his time at Milan. Although Donadoni failed to win the Coppa Italia with Milan, he reached the final twice, during the 1989–90 and 1997–98 seasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/roberto-donadoni|title=A.C. Milan Hall of Fame: Roberto Donadoni|website=acmilan.com|publisher=A.C. Milan|language=it|access-date=17 April 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.magliarossonera.it/protagonisti/Gioc-Donadoni.html|title=Roberto Donadoni|website=magliarossonera.it|language=it|access-date=17 April 2015}}

Donadoni was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken jaw after a violent tackle from Goran Vasilijević in the 1988–89 European Cup campaign in a match against Red Star Belgrade. He required treatment on the pitch to stop him choking and was rushed to hospital, where he regained consciousness soon after.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59307802 |title = AC Milan v Red Star Belgrade: Arrigo Sacchi's 'Immortals' & their brush with death - BBC Sport| work=BBC Sport }} On 19 April 1989, he scored a goal in a 5–0 win over Real Madrid in the 1989 European Cup semi-finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2020/04/24/5ea2c72822601dfa358b456f.html|title=The 50 best games in history: AC Milan 5–0 Real Madrid, 1989 European Cup|publisher=Marca|date= 24 April 2020|access-date= 30 January 2022}} In the final of the European Cup, he assisted Gullit's goal in a 4–0 win over Steaua București.

He provided the assist for Daniele Massaro's goal in a 4–0 victory over Barcelona in the final of the UEFA Champions League.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-european-cup-final-barcelona-mesmerised-by-magic-of-milan-italians-champions-ignore-their-status-as-underdogs-to-reach-olympian-heights-in-the-humiliation-of-spaniards-1437121.html|title=Football / European Cup Final: Barcelona mesmerised by magic of Milan: Italians champions ignore their status as underdogs to reach Olympian heights in the humiliation of Spaniards|date=18 May 1994 |publisher=Independent|access-date= 30 January 2022}}

=MetroStars=

After winning his fifth Serie A title with Milan, he went on to play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. The NY/NJ MetroStars of MLS made him a centerpiece of their franchise when they signed him in 1996. During his first year with the Metros, he was recalled to the Italy national team. He proved a solid performer, being named to the league Best XI in 1996, and was also named an MLS Eastern Conference All-Star, winning the inaugural 1996 MLS All-Star Game 3–2 over the Western Conference MLS All-Stars.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2011/07/12/all-star-game-flashback-1996-east-wins-inaugural-event|title=All-Star Game flashback, 1996: East wins inaugural event|publisher=MLS Soccer|date=12 July 2012|access-date=1 December 2015}} Unfortunately, Donadoni's play could not bring the MetroStars any success as a club. In total, Donadoni scored six goals for the MetroStars.

=Second spell at Milan and final season with Al-Ittihad=

Donadoni briefly rejoined Milan after the 1997 MLS season, helping lead them to another Coppa Italia final in 1998 during Fabio Capello's second spell with the club. He also won another Serie A title under Alberto Zaccheroni in 1999, his sixth and final career Serie A title. In total, Donadoni scored 18 career Serie A goals for Milan in 287 appearances, and 23 in 390 appearances throughout all competitions.

He ended his career by playing for a short time with Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, winning the Saudi Premier League during the 1999–2000 season, and officially retiring from professional football soon after.

International career

=Youth career, senior debut, Euro 88, and 1990 World Cup=

A member of the Italy under-21 national football team, reaching the final of the 1986 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Donadoni made his Italy national team senior debut on 8 October 1986, under Azeglio Vicini in a 2–0 victory over Greece. He soon became a key member of his national side, reaching the semi-finals of Euro 1988, and he subsequently played in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, on home soil, helping Italy to a third place finish. Unfortunately, he missed one of the penalties in the fateful semi-final shoot-out against defending champions and eventual runners-up Argentina.{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/mondiali_1990_argentina.html|title=La notte degli errori|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=30 July 2015}} Overall, he made five appearances throughout the tournament, missing out on the round of 16 victory against Uruguay due to injury,{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/mondiali_1990_uruguay.html|title=Un Serena per amico|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=30 July 2015}} and the bronze medal match victory against England.{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=21&squadra=1|title=Nazionale in cifre: Roberto Donadoni|website=figc.it|publisher=FIGC|language=it|access-date=17 April 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525045050/https://www.webcitation.org/5wAPf3rzX?url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato%3FcodiceConvocato=21|archive-date=25 May 2024|url-status=dead}}

=1994 World Cup and Euro 96=

Donadoni also took part at the 1994 World Cup, under Arrigo Sacchi, helping Italy to a second-place finish, where Italy would once again be defeated on penalties, by Brazil. However, on this occasion Donadoni did not take a penalty in the final shoot-out.{{cite web|title=Sconfitti, a testa alta|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/mondiali_1994_brasile.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Gianni Mura|date=18 July 1994|access-date=30 July 2015}} En route to the final, he set up Dino Baggio's goal in Italy's 2–1 quarter-final victory over Spain,{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/mondiali_1994_spagna.html|title=Spagna Adios, l'Italia avanza|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|author1=Giancarlo Padovan|date=10 July 1994|access-date=30 July 2015}} and also provided the throw-in on the left flank from which Roberto Baggio scored his first goal in Italy's 2–1 over Bulgaria in the semi-finals of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/mondiali_1994_bulgaria.html|title=Italia-Bulgaria, Coppa del Mondo USA 1994 - 2-1|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=13 June 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/luglio/14/Baggio_porta_paradiso_co_8_9407142134.shtml|title=Baggio ci porta in paradiso|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=14 July 1994|access-date=7 January 2015}} He also represented Italy at Euro 1996, which would be his final international tournament prior to his international retirement, appearing in all three group matches. His final appearance for Italy was on 19 June 1996, in the final group match, which ended in a 0–0 draw against the eventual champions Germany, eliminating the Italians in the first round of the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d7b30395ee1-c3672602b7ff-1000--italy-pay-penalty-for-germany-stalemate-in-euro-96-group-c/|title=Italy pay penalty for Germany stalemate|publisher=UEFA|date=6 October 2003|access-date=30 July 2015}} Overall, Donadoni made 63 appearances for Italy, scoring five goals.

Style of play

Regarded as one of Italy's greatest ever wingers, Donadoni was a consistent, versatile, and talented player, who was capable of playing anywhere in midfield except for defensive midfield. Due to his versatility, he could play on either wing, through the centre, or as an attacking midfielder, although he was most frequently deployed on the right flank. He was an important member of his club and national sides throughout his career, standing out for his explosive pace, agility, dribbling skills, and technical ability; he often beat players with feints both in one on one situations, or when undertaking individual runs. He was also known for his stamina and tactical intelligence, which enabled him to function as a box-to-box player. Particularly in his later career he operated in a more creative midfield role as a playmaker, due to his ability to orchestrate attacking moves for his team with his vision and passing. Donadoni was capable of delivering assists to teammates in the area from curling crosses or set-pieces. He was also a powerful and accurate striker of the ball from distance with either foot, despite being naturally right-footed, and an effective free kick taker.{{cite web|url=http://www.italianfootballdaily.com/name-roberto-gagliardini/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106161724/http://www.italianfootballdaily.com/name-roberto-gagliardini/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 January 2017|title=What is in a name? Roberto… Gagliardini|publisher=italianfootballdaily.com|author1=Robert Zitoli|date=26 November 2016|access-date=20 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1991/06/18/lentini-ultimo-acquisto.html|title=LENTINI, L' ULTIMO ACQUISTO|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=LICIA GRANELLO|date=18 June 1991|access-date=9 December 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/roberto-donadoni/ |title=Donadoni, Roberto |publisher=Treccani: Enciclopedie on line |language=it |access-date=6 June 2018 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/roberto-donadoni_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/ |title=DONADONI, Roberto |publisher=Treccani: Enciclopedia dello Sport |author1=Alberto Costa |language=it |access-date=6 June 2018 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.acmilan.com/it/news/classifiche/2017-08-30/top-10-i-migliori-gol-rossoneri-su-punizione |title=TOP 10: I MIGLIORI GOL ROSSONERI SU PUNIZIONE |publisher=A.C. Milan |language=it |date=30 August 2017 |access-date=23 March 2020 }} Michel Platini described him as Italy's greatest player of the 1990s.{{cite web|url=http://cinquantamila.corriere.it/storyTellerThread.php?threadId=DONADONI+Roberto|title=Roberto Donadoni|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|author1=Giorgio Dell’Arti|language=it|access-date=7 July 2015|date=29 January 2014|archive-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708224929/http://cinquantamila.corriere.it/storyTellerThread.php?threadId=DONADONI+Roberto|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1998/01/24/io-gregario-di-ronaldo-ripudiato-dalla-roma.html |title=Io, gregario di Ronaldo ripudiato dalla Roma |publisher=La Repubblica |language=it |author1=Enrico Currò |date=24 January 1998 |access-date=13 April 2019 }} Regarding his playing style, Donadoni once commented "My greatest satisfaction comes from making the pass that leads to the goal."{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2019/jul/04/serie-a-team-of-the-1980s |title=The Serie A team of the 1980s |work=The Guardian |date=4 July 2019 |access-date=3 November 2019 }}

Managerial career

=Early club career: Lecco, Livorno, and Genoa=

After retiring as a player, Donadoni trained to become a coach. His first job was as Lecco and he made his debut on 12 August 2001 in the Coppa Italia Lega Pro.{{cite news | url=http://fcparma.com/lazio-parma-cifre-e-curiosita/?lang=en | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122231248/http://fcparma.com/lazio-parma-cifre-e-curiosita/?lang=en | url-status=usurped | archive-date=22 January 2013 | date=30 November 2012 | title=Lazio-Parma: numbers and curiosity }} This was followed by jobs with Livorno (2002–03) and Genoa (2003). 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.

=International career=

In July 2006, following the resignation of Marcello Lippi three days after the Italy national team won the 2006 World Cup, Donadoni was named as new Italian head coach,{{cite web| url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/07/sezioni/sport/calcio/donadoni-nuovo-ct/donadoni-nuovo-ct/donadoni-nuovo-ct.html| title=Nazionale, scelto l'erede di Lippi Donadoni è il nuovo ct degli azzurri| language=it| publisher=La Repubblica Sport| date=13 July 2006| access-date=9 August 2008}} his first task being to successfully lead Italy through qualification for UEFA Euro 2008.

On 16 August, Donadoni made his Italy head coaching debut in a friendly match against Croatia played at Stadio Armando Picchi, Livorno, which did not feature any of the 23 world champions, save for third goalkeeper Marco Amelia, and ended in a 2–0 defeat. Donadoni took solace in the fact Lippi's first match in charge of the Azzurri was also a friendly defeat, to Iceland.

==Path to Euro 2008==

Donadoni's competitive debut came in Euro 2008 qualifying. Italy drew its first match 1–1 with Lithuania, then lost 3–1 to France. Accordingly, Italian newspaper La Nazione's front page featured, "How to reduce Lippi's masterwork to pieces in just three weeks,"[http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/07092006/2/photo/beleaguered-donadoni-turn-totti.html Beleaguered Donadoni to turn to Totti]{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} requesting the return of Lippi. However, despite all the critics, Donadoni led Italy to five consecutive wins to Georgia (3–1), Ukraine (2–0) and Scotland (2–0), the former being controversial for his omission of star Alessandro Del Piero from the squad.[http://goal.com/it/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=145867] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930202326/http://goal.com/it/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=145867|date=30 September 2007}} {{in lang|it}} One of the main criticisms addressed by the media towards Donadoni was his alleged lack of pressure in persuading Francesco Totti to play again for the Azzurri. Following a question regarding a possible call-up for the Roma player, Donadoni jokingly claimed not to know him.[http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=298124 Goal.com – Italy – Totti Who? – Donadoni]

Italy qualified for Euro 2008 after a successful campaign, topping the group ahead of France, in spite of the shaky start. They defeated Scotland 2–1 in Glasgow to confirm their qualification.

==Euro 2008 campaign==

On 9 June 2008, Donadoni was handed the biggest defeat for Italy's national team in over 25 years by former Milan teammate Marco van Basten, a 3–0 loss to the Netherlands.{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bf228ae0c-4c0f0150ca38-1000--euro-2008-l-italia-parte-male-l-olanda-cala-il-tris/|title=L'Italia parte male, l'Olanda cala il tris|trans-title=Italy start badly, Holland score three|publisher=UEFA|language=it|author1=Paolo Menicucci|date=10 June 2008|access-date=4 May 2015}} Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro was unable to play due to injury,{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/italy/7432512.stm | title = Cannavaro vows to stay with squad | publisher = BBC Sport | access-date =3 April 2010 | date = 3 June 2008}} and Donadoni was widely criticised for his choice of players for the match. His team drew the subsequent match with Romania on 13 June, despite some controversial officiating which saw a goal called back in each of these games creating intense criticism of the officials.{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/euro/2008/Logo_MD07_300695_ITA_ROU_FullReport.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928195901/http://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/euro/2008/Logo_MD07_300695_ITA_ROU_FullReport.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2014 |title=Full-time report Italy-Romania |publisher=UEFA |date=13 June 2008 |access-date=22 November 2016}} The team then beat France 2–0 on 17 June to progress to the quarter-finals against much-fancied Spain, the eventual champions.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7363384.stm |title=France 0–2 Italy |publisher=BBC Sport |last=McNulty |first=Phil |date=17 June 2008 |access-date=28 June 2012}} The two teams played out a 0–0 draw, the only match Spain was held scoreless in regular time throughout the tournament. However, the Spaniards won 4–2 on penalties.{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232283&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EURO |title=Spain 0–0 Italy |date=22 June 2008 |website=ESPN Soccernet |access-date=15 June 2010 |archive-date=28 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628205252/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232283&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EURO |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=15094/match=301702/report=rp.html |title=Casillas' saves put Spain in semis |publisher=UEFA |date=22 June 2008 |access-date=28 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525234143/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season%3D2008/round%3D15094/match%3D301702/report%3Drp.html |archive-date=25 May 2010}}

After Italy's disappointing performance at the tournament, on 26 June 2008 Donadoni was sacked by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC),{{cite news|date=26 June 2008|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3741690,00.html|title=Donadoni axed as Italy boss|work=Sky Sports|access-date=26 June 2008}} which named Lippi as his replacement.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2008/italy/7471598.stm| title=Lippi re-appointed as Italy coach| work=BBC Sport| date=26 June 2008| access-date=9 August 2008}}

=Post-international club coaching career=

==Napoli==

On 10 March 2009, Napoli announced it had appointed Donadoni as its new head coach following the termination of Edoardo Reja after five years leading the club.{{cite news|publisher=SSC Napoli|url=http://www.sscnapoli.it/client/render.aspx?root=707&fwd=2367&content=0|title=Roberto Donadoni nuovo tecnico azzurro|date=10 March 2009|access-date=10 March 2009|language=it}} Donadoni's first match in charge was a 1–1 draw with Reggina.

After a 2–1 loss to Roma on 6 October 2009, Donadoni was terminated as Napoli manager. He was replaced by former Sampdoria coach Walter Mazzarri.{{cite news|url=http://www.sscnapoli.it/client/render.aspx?root=707&fwd=2800&content=0|title=È Walter Mazzarri il nuovo allenatore|publisher=SSC Napoli|language=it|date=6 October 2009|access-date=6 October 2009}}

==Cagliari==

On 16 November 2010, it was announced Donadoni would become head coach of Serie A relegation battlers Cagliari, replacing Pierpaolo Bisoli.{{cite news |url=http://www.cagliaricalcio.net/news/notizia.asp?idNotizia=9566&type=0&id_menu=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330020915/http://www.cagliaricalcio.net/news/notizia.asp?idNotizia=9566&type=0&id_menu=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 March 2012 |publisher=Cagliari Calcio |language=it |access-date=16 November 2010 |date=15 November 2010 |title=Comunicato Stampa }}{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Cagliari/15-11-2010/cagliari-esonerato-bisoli-711829153769.shtml |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |access-date=16 November 2010|date=16 November 2010|title=Cagliari, esonerato Bisoli Cellino ingaggia Donadoni}} After joining Cagliari, the club won its next two matches, 2–1 against Brescia on 21 November and 3–2 against Lecce on 28 November.

However, on 12 August 2011, two weeks prior to the start of the 2011–12 Serie A, Donadoni was surprisingly sacked by Cagliari chairman Massimo Cellino.{{cite news|url=http://www.cagliaricalcio.net/news/11761/comunicato-della-societa.html|title=Comunicato della Società|date=12 August 2011|access-date=12 August 2011|work=Cagliari Calcio|language=it|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407084825/http://www.cagliaricalcio.net/news/11761/comunicato-della-societa.html|url-status=dead}} Italian press sources cited divergencies between Donadoni and Cellino regarding the sale of Alessandro Matri to Juventus and the affair involving David Suazo, who first joined the pre-season training camp only to be asked to leave days later.{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/cagliari/2011/08/12/news/donadoni-20358704/|title=Rottura con Cellino Esonerato Donadoni |date=12 August 2011|access-date=12 August 2011|work=La Repubblica|language=it}}

Donadoni was in talks with Iran Pro League side Persepolis in December 2011. However, no contract was reached.

==Parma==

On 9 January 2012, Donadoni was unveiled as head coach of Serie A club Parma, replacing Franco Colomba.{{cite news|url=http://fcparma.com/index.php/category/news/|title=Benvenuto mister Donadoni|date=9 January 2012|access-date=10 January 2012|work=Parma|language=it|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112194353/http://fcparma.com/index.php/category/news/|archive-date=12 November 2011}} Upon arriving at the club, the situation in the league table was critical for Parma, being close to the relegation zone.

Parma's results improved immediately under Donadoni, winning seven Serie A matches in a row, a club record. Parma would finish the season in eighth place in the league table, equal on points with seventh-placed Roma.

Donadoni's initial contract ran until 2013, but this was extended by two years in October 2012, the longest deal club president Tommaso Ghirardi had made with a head coach. At the end of the 2012–13 season, Parma impressed and finished in a comfortable tenth place, despite initial fears it would be relegated.{{cite news | url=http://fcparma.com/donadoni-e-il-parma-avanti-insieme-con-entusiasmo/ | date=24 October 2012 | title=Donadoni e il Parma, avanti insieme con entusiasmo | language=it | publisher=Parma FC | work=FCParma.com | url-status=usurped | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102231804/http://fcparma.com/donadoni-e-il-parma-avanti-insieme-con-entusiasmo/ | archive-date=2 January 2013 | df=dmy-all }} In 2014, Donadoni guided Parma to sixth place in Serie A, helping the club to qualify for the UEFA Europa League for the first time since 2007. However, their entry to the tournament was barred because of the late payment of income tax on salaries, failing to qualify for a UEFA license, for which the club would also be docked seven points during the 2014–15 Serie A season.{{cite news | url=http://www.espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1836553/parma-europa-league-place-handed-torino?cc=5739 | date=29 May 2014 | title=Parma lose appeal for UEFA license [sic]}}{{cite news | url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/parma-deducted-one-point-financial-issues | date=9 December 2014 | title=Parma deducted one point for financial issues | work=FourFourTwo | publisher=Haymarket Group}}

The following season, Parma's continuing severe financial difficulties led to the club's eventual bankruptcy in March 2015, which meant the club be relegated. Although the FIGC allowed the club to complete the league season in Serie A, they finished bottom of the league in 20th place. Donadoni, who reported that he, as well as the Parma staff and players, had not received wages since July 2014, left the club at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/parma/story/2504884/roberto-donadoni-rues-huge-injustice-at-parma|title=Roberto Donadoni rues 'huge injustice' at Parma|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Ben Gladwell|date=26 June 2015|access-date=30 July 2015}}

==Bologna==

In October 2015, Donadoni was hired by newly promoted Serie A club Bologna as the club's new coach, replacing Delio Rossi.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/75012/donadoni-bologna-need-anger|title=Donadoni: 'Bologna need anger'|publisher=Football Italia|date=29 October 2015|access-date=30 October 2015}} Donadoni parted with Bologna on 24 May 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/121850/official-donadoni-leaves-bologna|title=Official: Donadoni leaves Bologna|publisher=Football Italia|date=24 May 2018}}

==Shenzhen==

On 30 July 2019, Donadoni was appointed as manager of Chinese club Shenzhen.{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/news/ufficiale-donadoni-nuovo-allenatore-dello-shenzhen-in-cina-81308 |title=UFFICIALE: Donadoni nuovo allenatore dello Shenzhen in Cina |publisher=Calciomercato |language=it |date=30 July 2019 |access-date=3 March 2020 }}

Managerial statistics

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
rowspan="2"\|Team !rowspan="2"\|Nat !rowspan="2"\|From !rowspan="2"\|To !colspan="8"\|Record
{{Tooltip\|G\|Games managed}} !{{Tooltip\|W\|Games won}} !{{Tooltip\|D\|Games drawn}} !{{Tooltip\|L\|Games lost}} !{{Tooltip\|GF\|Goals for}} !{{Tooltip\|GA\|Goals against}} !{{Tooltip\|GD\|Goal difference}} !{{Tooltip\|Win %\|Winning percentage}}
Lecco \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|2 July 2001 \|3 December 2001 {{WDL\|18\|6\|5\|7\|for=25\|against=21\|diff=yes}}
Lecco \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|20 March 2002 \|22 June 2002 {{WDL\|7\|3\|3\|1\|for=9\|against=5\|diff=yes}}
Livorno \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|22 June 2002 \|30 June 2003 {{WDL\|41\|14\|13\|14\|for=54\|against=48\|diff=yes}}
Genoa \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|30 June 2003 \|21 September 2003 {{WDL\|6\|1\|1\|4\|for=4\|against=7\|diff=yes}}
Livorno \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|11 January 2005 \|6 February 2006 {{WDL\|46\|17\|16\|13\|for=60\|against=62\|diff=yes}}
Italy \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|13 July 2006 \|26 June 2008 {{WDL\|23\|13\|5\|5\|for=35\|against=22\|diff=yes}}
Napoli \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|10 March 2009 \|6 October 2009 {{WDL\|19\|5\|6\|8\|for=23\|against=26\|diff=yes}}
Cagliari \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|16 November 2010 \|12 August 2011 {{WDL\|27\|10\|4\|13\|for=33\|against=43\|diff=yes}}
Parma \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|9 January 2012 \|22 June 2015 {{WDL\|141\|47\|39\|55\|for=181\|against=195\|diff=yes}}
Bologna \|{{flagicon\|ITA}} \|28 October 2015 \|24 May 2018 {{WDL\|108\|33\|23\|52\|for=115\|against=146\|diff=yes}}
Shenzhen \|{{flagicon\|China}} \|30 July 2019 \|11 August 2020 {{WDL\|14\|2\|4\|8\|for=23\|against=33\|diff=yes}}
colspan="4"\|Total {{WDLtot\|450\|151\|119\|180\|for=562\|against=608\|diff=yes}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+ Managerial record by team and tenure

rowspan="2"|Team

!rowspan="2"|Nat

!rowspan="2"|From

!rowspan="2"|To

!colspan="8"|Record

!{{Tooltip|W|Games won}}

!{{Tooltip|D|Games drawn}}

!{{Tooltip|L|Games lost}}

!{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}}

!{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}}

!{{Tooltip|GD|Goal difference}}

!{{Tooltip|Win %|Winning percentage}}

Lecco

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|2 July 2001

|3 December 2001

Lecco

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|20 March 2002

|22 June 2002

Livorno

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|22 June 2002

|30 June 2003

Genoa

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|30 June 2003

|21 September 2003

Livorno

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|11 January 2005

|6 February 2006

Italy

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|13 July 2006

|26 June 2008

Napoli

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|10 March 2009

|6 October 2009

Cagliari

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|16 November 2010

|12 August 2011

Parma

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|9 January 2012

|22 June 2015

Bologna

|{{flagicon|ITA}}

|28 October 2015

|24 May 2018

Shenzhen

|{{flagicon|China}}

|30 July 2019

|11 August 2020

colspan="4"|Total

Honours

=Player=

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

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

Serie A Team of The Year: 1986{{cite web|url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/serie-a-guerin-sportivo-1980-1991-every-game-with-player-ratings.2085771/ |website=BigSoccer |title=Guerin Sportivo Serie A Team of the Year|access-date=30 September 2024}}
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1990{{cite web|url=http://football.sporting99.com/fifa-world-cup-all-star-team.html |title=FIFA World Cup Awards: All-Star Team |access-date=27 June 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630203237/http://football.sporting99.com/fifa-world-cup-all-star-team.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}
MLS All-star: 1996,[http://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/news/article/2011/07/12/all-star-game-flashback-1996-east-wins-inaugural-event All-Star Game flashback, 1996] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228152403/http://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/news/article/2011/07/12/all-star-game-flashback-1996-east-wins-inaugural-event |date=December 28, 2014 }} at MLSsoccer.com

1997

MLS Best XI: 1996{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/history/club/newyork/1996|title=New York/New Jersey MetroStars 1996|publisher=MLS Soccer|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208114958/http://www.mlssoccer.com/history/club/newyork/1996|url-status=dead}}
Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea": 1998{{cite web|url=http://www.comune.cinisello-balsamo.mi.it/sitospip/spip.php?article12043|title=Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare Gaetano Scirea|website=comune.cinisello-balsamo.mi.it|language=it|access-date=21 January 2015}}
Premio internazionale Giacinto Facchetti: 2015{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/06-11-2015/facchetti-donadoni-succede-francesco-totti-130812184712.shtml|title=Il "Facchetti" a Donadoni. Succede a Francesco Totti|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=6 November 2015|access-date=27 July 2016}}
AC Milan Hall of Fame

=Orders=

:*File:Cavaliere OMRI BAR.svg 5th Class / Knight: Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 1991{{cite web|url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/Onorificenze.aspx?pag=3045&qIdOnorificenza=&cognome=&nome=&daAnno=1800&aAnno=2014&luogoNascita=&testo=&ordinamento=2|title=Onoreficenze|website=quirinale.it|language=it|date=30 September 1991|access-date=19 March 2015}}

References

External links

{{TuttoCalciatori|Donadoni_Roberto}}
[https://archive.today/20240525045050/https://www.webcitation.org/5wAPf3rzX?url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato%3FcodiceConvocato=21 Profile at FIGC.it] {{in lang|it}} {{dead link|date=March 2019}}
{{MLS player|roberto-donadoni}}
[http://www.italia1910.com/giocatori-scheda.asp?idgiocatore=238 Profile at Italia1910.com] {{in lang|it}}

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Category:1963 births

Category:Living people