Walter Pandiani

{{short description|Uruguayan footballer and manager (born 1976)}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Walter Pandiani

| image = Pandiani.jpg

| image_size = 200

| caption = Pandiani in August 2016

| fullname = Walter Gerardo Pandiani Urquiza{{cite news|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/envivos/fichas/1/038/4390.html|title=Walter Gerardo PANDIANI Urquiza|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|access-date=11 June 2021}}

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|4|27|df=y}}

| birth_place = Montevideo, Uruguay

| height = 1.84 m

| position = Striker

| currentclub =

| years1 = 1995–1997 | clubs1 = Progreso | caps1 = 22 | goals1 = 12

| years2 = 1997–1998 | clubs2 = Basáñez | caps2 = 0 | goals2 = 0

| years3 = 1998–2000 | clubs3 = Peñarol | caps3 = 71 | goals3 = 29

| years4 = 2000–2005 | clubs4 = Deportivo La Coruña | caps4 = 86 | goals4 = 31

| years5 = 2002–2003 | clubs5 = → Mallorca (loan) | caps5 = 33 | goals5 = 13

| years6 = 2005 | clubs6 = → Birmingham City (loan) | caps6 = 14 | goals6 = 4

| years7 = 2005–2006 | clubs7 = Birmingham City | caps7 = 17 | goals7 = 2

| years8 = 2006–2007 | clubs8 = Espanyol | caps8 = 52 | goals8 = 8

| years9 = 2007–2011 | clubs9 = Osasuna | caps9 = 92 | goals9 = 27

| years10 = 2011–2012 | clubs10 = Espanyol | caps10 = 16 | goals10 = 3

| years11 = 2012–2013 | clubs11 = Villarreal | caps11 = 17 | goals11 = 2

| years12 = 2013 | clubs12 = Atlético Baleares | caps12 = 9 | goals12 = 1

| years13 = 2013–2014 | clubs13 = Miramar Misiones | caps13 = 19 | goals13 = 5

| years14 = 2015–2016 | clubs14 = Lausanne-Sport | caps14 = 15 | goals14 = 1

| totalcaps = 463 | totalgoals = 138

| nationalyears1 = 2001–2004 | nationalteam1 = Uruguay | nationalcaps1 = 4 | nationalgoals1 = 0

| manageryears1 = 2014–2015 | managerclubs1 = Masnou (youth)

| manageryears2 = 2016 | managerclubs2 = Masnou

| manageryears3 = 2016–2017 | managerclubs3 = Europa (youth)

| manageryears4 = 2017–2018 | managerclubs4 = Hospitalet (youth)

| manageryears5 = 2019 | managerclubs5 = Lorca

| manageryears6 = 2020–2021 | managerclubs6 = Dibba Al-Hisn

| manageryears7 = 2021–2022 | managerclubs7 = Cerro

| manageryears8 = 2022 | managerclubs8 = Cerrito

| manageryears9 = 2023 | managerclubs9 = Albion

| manageryears10 = 2024–2025 | managerclubs10 = Miramar Misiones

}}

Walter Gerardo Pandiani Urquiza (born 27 April 1976) is a Uruguayan football manager and former player who played as a striker.

His performances for Peñarol earned him a move to Deportivo in Spain, where he remained for the vast majority of his career, also representing Mallorca, Espanyol (twice) and Osasuna. He also spent a year with Birmingham City in England.

Over 12 seasons, Pandiani amassed La Liga totals of 279 games and 82 goals.

Playing career

=Early years and Deportivo=

Born in Montevideo, Pandiani started his career with hometown club Progreso, moving on to Basáñez and Peñarol, the latter also in the country's capital. In December 1999 he agreed terms to join Deportivo La Coruña as a replacement for his compatriot Sergio Martínez,{{cite web|url=https://www.rcdeportivo.es/noticia/manteca-martinez-por-pandiani|title=Manteca Martínez por Pandiani|trans-title=Manteca Martínez for Pandiani|publisher=Deportivo La Coruña|language=es|date=23 December 1999|access-date=4 October 2017}} and the move was officially completed the following January when he signed a five-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, still remaining with Peñarol until the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.lr21.com.uy/deportes/520-walter-pandiani-jugara-hasta-junio-en-penarol|title=Walter Pandiani jugará hasta junio en Peñarol|trans-title=Walter Pandiani will play in Peñarol until June|publisher=La Red 21|language=es|date=18 January 2000|access-date=4 October 2017}}

Pandiani made his debut for the Spaniards on 27 August 2000, coming from the bench for Diego Tristán in a 2–0 win over Espanyol at Estadio Riazor in the Supercopa de España return match.{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2000/08/27/deportes/967412498.html|title=El Deportivo se impone al Espanyol (2–0) y gana su segunda Supercopa|trans-title=Deportivo best Espanyol (2–0) and win their second Supercup|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|date=28 August 2000|access-date=18 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2000/08/29/deportivo-win-spanish-super-cup|title=Deportivo win Spanish Super Cup|publisher=Special Broadcasting Service|date=29 August 2000|access-date=4 October 2017}} Despite never being an undisputed starter for the Galician team he was one of their most important attacking elements, often scoring as a substitute, netting 13 goals during the 2003–04 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.lr21.com.uy/deportes/142424-pandiani-llego-a-trece|title=Pandiani llegó a trece|trans-title=Pandiani made it to thirteen|publisher=La Red 21|language=es|date=24 May 2004|access-date=9 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol/segunda-division/recreativodehuelva/338638-joselu-estoy-contento-por-los-goles-pero-frustrado-por-el-partido.html|title=El Dépor presume de suplentes goleadores|trans-title=Dépor boast of scoring substitutes|publisher=Vavel|first=Fernando|last=Martínez Duarte|language=es|date=15 April 2014|access-date=12 September 2012}}

Pandiani, who had a successful loan stint at Mallorca while still at Depor,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eaad6d7906f-4afd5a2596b8-1000--pandiani-seeks-magic-seven/|title=Pandiani seeks magic seven|publisher=UEFA|first=Andy|last=Hall|date=7 October 2003|access-date=7 May 2016}} moved to Birmingham City in the Premier League, also on loan, in January 2005, after a series of run-ins with coach Javier Irureta.{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2005/01/18/liga/1106078368.html|title=Pandiani: "Cuando todo va mal Irureta se lava las manos"|trans-title=Pandiani: "When everything goes wrong Irureta washes his hands"|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|date=18 January 2005|access-date=9 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11843_2324255,00.html|title=Depor boss blasts Pandiani|publisher=Sky Sports|first=Mark|last=Kendall|date=19 January 2005|access-date=26 October 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4225423.stm|title=Birmingham complete Pandiani loan|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 February 2005|access-date=26 October 2008}} He scored a goal on his debut against Southampton in a 2–1 home win,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4221115.stm|title=Birmingham 2–1 Southampton|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 February 2005|access-date=26 October 2008}} and went on to score three more in the season, prompting manager Steve Bruce to sign him on a permanent contract for a reported fee of £3 million.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4608030.stm|title=Pandiani completes Espanyol move|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 January 2006|access-date=26 October 2008}}

During his time at Deportivo, Pandiani bought a big red truck which he drove to training, a type of vehicle that he is a fan of, which he kept while at Deportivo, Espanyol and Osasuna. He personalised it with his nickname "El Rifle", a Uruguayan flag, and the emblems of his club and Uruguayan club Peñarol.{{Cite news |title=Can any professional footballers drive a heavy goods vehicle? |author=The Knowledge, Football |work=The Guardian |date=13 October 2021 |url= https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/oct/13/can-any-professional-footballers-drive-a-heavy-goods-vehicle}}

=Espanyol=

Having failed to continue to display his previous form, Pandiani returned to Spain on 13 January 2006, after completing a move to Espanyol for £1 million.

In his first full season he scored only seven La Liga goals,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0254-0d7b9f8b46c3-d7a7d5ea9cd0-1000--pandiani-picks-up-scoring-prize/|title=Pandiani picks up scoring prize|publisher=UEFA|date=17 May 2007|access-date=9 April 2013}} including a first-half hat-trick against eventual champions Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/13/sports/13iht-CUP.1.5684696.html?_r=0 |title=Soccer: Real Madrid rallies against Espanyol and rises to top of Spanish League|newspaper=The New York Times|date=13 May 2007|access-date=9 April 2013}} but was top scorer in the 2006–07 UEFA Cup with eleven as his club reached the final, which they lost on penalties to Sevilla.

During his time at Espanyol, Pandiani, and Barcelona's José Manuel Pinto, drove in the 2011 Barcelona "Monster Jam" monster truck event.{{Cite web |title=La Monster Jam 2011 llega a Barcelona con Pinto y Pandiani |trans-title=Monster Jam 2011 arrives at Barcelona with Pinto and Pandiani |last=Serrano |first=Alejandro |website=AutoBild.es |date=12 November 2011 |url= https://www.autobild.es/reportajes/monster-jam-2011-barcelona-174157 |language=es}}

=Osasuna=

For 2007–08, Pandiani joined Osasuna.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_2621913,00.html|title=Osasuna swoop for Rifle|publisher=Sky Sports|first=Mark|last=Kendall|date=29 July 2007|access-date=26 October 2008}} Scarcely used in his first year, he was instrumental for the Navarrese in the following campaign, especially after the arrival in mid-October of coach José Antonio Camacho,{{cite web|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/news/story?id=765126&s=esp&type=story|title=Mi sueño es jugar en Peñarol con mi hijo |trans-title=I dream of playing in Peñarol with my son|publisher=ESPN Deportes|language=es|date=14 January 2009|access-date=12 September 2012}} finishing as the club's top scorer.

Osasuna's first goal of the 2010–11 season only came in the fourth matchday, and the 34-year-old Pandiani scored it through a header as the team came from behind to win it 3–1 against Real Sociedad, at home.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/825495/la-liga-real-win-fiery-encounter-osasuna-win|title=Real win fiery encounter, Osasuna win|publisher=ESPN FC|date=21 September 2010|access-date=19 January 2016}} On 30 January 2011, during half-time of a 1–0 home win against Real Madrid, he was involved in a "verbal spat" with Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting afterwards that "As a footballer he is a phenomenon but to do the things he does, maybe he has a screw loose."{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/875252/walter-pandiani-cocky-cristiano-ronaldo-has-a-screw-loose|title=Pandiani: Ronaldo has 'screw loose'|publisher=ESPN FC|date=3 February 2011|access-date=19 January 2016}}

=Later career=

The 35-year-old Pandiani returned to Espanyol for 2011–12, signing a one-year contract{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7144487/|title=Pandiani pens Espanyol deal|publisher=Sky Sports|date=2 September 2011|access-date=13 November 2011}} and acting mainly as backup to youth graduate Álvaro Vázquez.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2011/10/27/futbol/1adivision/1319745408.html|title=Pandiani siempre se guarda una bala|trans-title=Pandiani always has one bullet left|newspaper=Marca|language=es|first=Ramiro|last=Aldunate|date=27 October 2011|access-date=12 September 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ligabbva.com/news/2012/01/18/pandiani-y-albin-a-salvar-al-espanyol.html|title=Pandiani y Albín, a salvar al Espanyol|trans-title=Pandiani and Albín, to Espanyol's rescue|publisher=Liga BBVA|language=es|date=18 January 2012|access-date=12 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122001657/http://www.ligabbva.com/news/2012/01/18/pandiani-y-albin-a-salvar-al-espanyol.html|archive-date=22 January 2012}} On 22 September he came from the bench to score the game's only goal at home against Getafe, in stoppage time.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1514976.html |title=Late Pandiani strike sinks Getafe|publisher=FIFA|date=22 September 2011|access-date=9 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926024516/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid%3D1514976.html|archive-date=26 September 2011}} On 27 October he repeated the feat, albeit not so late in the game, with a powerful header at home to Real Betis.{{cite web|url=http://asia.eurosport.com/football/la-liga/2009-2010/espanyol-beat-betis_sto3002950/story.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225110352/http://asia.eurosport.com/football/la-liga/2009-2010/espanyol-beat-betis_sto3002950/story.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2016|title=Espanyol extend Betis losing streak|publisher=Eurosport|date=28 October 2011|access-date=19 January 2016}}

In late August 2012, Pandiani signed a one-year contract with Segunda División club Villarreal, where his 18-year-old son Nico was a C-team player.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/1144947/pandiani-family-happy-with-villarreal-move|title=Pandianis happy with Villarreal move|publisher=ESPN FC|first=Dermot|last=Corrigan|date=28 August 2012|access-date=19 January 2016}} On his debut, at home to Guadalajara on 2 September, he entered the game as a second-half substitute and scored the winning goal,{{cite web|url=http://www.villarrealcf.es/en/news/item/3026-another-comeback-in-el-madrigal-2-1|title=Another comeback in El Madrigal (2–1)|publisher=Villarreal CF|date=2 September 2012|access-date=19 January 2016}} and did the same the following week in another narrow win, at Ponferradina.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/09/08/futbol/2adivision/1347127995.html|title=Pandiani acaba con las ilusiones de la Ponferradina|trans-title=Pandiani destroys Ponferradina's illusions|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=8 September 2012|access-date=9 September 2012}}

In late January 2013, Pandiani and Nico left Villarreal and joined Atlético Baleares of the Segunda División B.{{cite web|url=http://www.cdatleticobaleares.com/noticias/1067/presentacion-de-nico-y-walter-pandiani/|title=Presentación de Nico y Walter Pandiani|trans-title=Introducing Nico and Walter Pandiani|publisher=CD Atlético Baleares|language=es|date=31 January 2013|access-date=24 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216025035/http://cdatleticobaleares.com/noticias/1067/presentacion-de-nico-y-walter-pandiani/|archive-date=16 February 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.es/deportes/futbol/20130202/abci-pandiani-hijo-baleares-201302012137.html|title=El Atlético Baleares une a los Pandiani|trans-title=Atlético Baleares unite the Pandianis|newspaper=ABC|first=Jorge A.|last=Moreno|language=es|date=2 February 2013|access-date=17 February 2013}} They both started in Nico's second senior match, and Pandiani scored in the 2–1 defeat away to Sant Andreu on 12 May.{{cite web|url=http://www.futbolbalear.es/2013/05/12/cronica-2a-division-b-ue-sant-andreu-2-1-at-baleares/|title=Crónica 2ª División B: UE Sant Andreu 2–1 At Baleares|trans-title=2ª División B report: UE Sant Andreu 2–1 At Baleares|publisher=Fútbol Balear|language=es|date=12 May 2013|access-date=5 February 2014}}

In October 2013, the pair returned to Uruguay and signed for Primera División club Miramar Misiones.{{cite news|url=http://diariouruguay.com.uy/los-pandiani-en-sociedad-vuelven-al-futbol-uruguayo/|title=Walter Pandiani volverá al fútbol uruguayo para defender a Miramar Misiones|trans-title=Walter Pandiani returns to Uruguayan football to play for Miramar Misiones|newspaper=El Diario|first=Gonzalo|last=Basal|language=es|date=29 October 2013|access-date=5 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221220601/http://diariouruguay.com.uy/los-pandiani-en-sociedad-vuelven-al-futbol-uruguayo/|archive-date=21 February 2014}} Pandiani scored three times in the six remaining matches of the 2013–14 Apertura, as his team finished next to bottom, and played regularly during the Clausura but scored only twice as they repeated their previous finish, which contributed to relegation.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesu/uru2014.html|title=Uruguay 2013/14|first=Francisco|last=Fernández|date=26 February 2015|website=RSSSF|access-date=2 June 2015}}

Pandiani returned to the Barcelona area where he spent the 2014–15 season coaching junior teams at Masnou, where two of his sons played. He said that although he had always wanted to coach, he still thought of himself as a player and was open to offers;{{cite news|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/futbol-catala/futbol-base-del-masnou-manos-del-rifle-pandiani-3739106|title=El fútbol base del Masnou, en manos del 'Rifle' Pandiani|trans-title=The youth setup at Masnou, in the hands of 'Rifle' Pandiani|newspaper=Sport|first=Sergi|last=Capdevila|language=es|date=2 December 2014|access-date=2 June 2015}} in June 2015, he signed for Lausanne-Sport of the Swiss Challenge League, with the remit of supervising and teaching the tricks of the trade to the 15-year-old striker Andi Zeqiri, who had already made his first-team debut.{{cite web|url=http://www.lausanne-sport.ch/detailnews.php?id=1068|title=Communiqué de presse|trans-title=Press release|publisher=FC Lausanne-Sport|language=fr|date=2 June 2015|access-date=2 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712201008/http://www.lausanne-sport.ch/detailnews.php?id=1068|archive-date=12 July 2015}} The club won promotion to the Super League as champions in his only season; his one goal was an equaliser in a 1–1 home draw with Aarau on 4 April, taking Walter Samuel's record as oldest person to score in either of the top two divisions of Swiss football, though the Argentine played for Basel in the top flight.{{cite news|url=https://www.lematin.ch/story/pandiani-est-devenu-le-plus-vieux-buteur-de-la-ligue-267798765106|title=Pandiani est devenu le plus vieux buteur de la Ligue|trans-title=Pandiani became the oldest goalscorer in the League|newspaper=Le Matin|first=Sergi|last=Capdevila|language=es|date=2 December 2014|access-date=2 June 2015}}

Pandiani announced his retirement on 16 June 2016 after a 23-year professional career, at the age of 40.{{cite news|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/futbol/pandiani-anuncia-retirada-5210227|title=Pandiani anuncia su retirada|trans-title=Pandiani announces his retirement|newspaper=Sport|language=es|date=16 June 2016|access-date=16 June 2016}} After he retired, his truck was auctioned in Barcelona with 518,000 miles on the clock.

International career

Despite his relatively successful career in Spain, Pandiani only received four caps for Uruguay,{{cite web|url=http://www.navarrasport.com/noticias/pandiani-no-va-con-uruguay|title=Pandiani no va con Uruguay|trans-title=Pandiani does not go with Uruguay|publisher=Navarra Sport|language=es|date=30 October 2009|access-date=19 January 2016}} the first coming on 28 March 2001 in a 1–0 home defeat against Paraguay in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesu/uru-intres2005.html|title=Uruguay – International Matches 2001–2005|first=Martín|last=Tabeira|date=31 October 2006|website=RSSSF|access-date=19 January 2016}}

Managerial career

Pandiani returned to Masnou after retiring, now as a first-team manager. Sacked on 2 November 2016,{{cite news|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/futbol-catala/20161102/411521312252/walter-pandiani-deja-de-entrenar-al-masnou.html|title=Walter Pandiani deja de entrenar al Masnou|trans-title=Walter Pandiani no longer in charge of Masnou|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|language=es|date=2 November 2016|access-date=14 June 2018}} he was appointed at the helm of Europa's Juvenil A squad on 13 December.{{cite web|url=http://www.diariolagrada.com/noticias/espanyol/pandiani-dirigira-juvenil-europa_21016.html|title=Pandiani dirigirá al Juvenil A del Europa|trans-title=Pandiani will manage the Juvenil A of Europa|publisher=Diario La Grada|language=es|date=13 December 2016|access-date=14 June 2018}}

On 27 June 2017, Pandiani was named manager of Hospitalet's youth squad.{{cite news|url=https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/futbol-catalan/pandiani-dirigira-juvenil-lhospitalet-6132119|title=Pandiani dirigirá al juvenil de L'Hospitalet|trans-title=Pandiani will manage the juvenil of L'Hospitalet|newspaper=Sport|language=es|date=27 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2018}} Two years later, he was given his first senior managerial job at Lorca in the Tercera División.{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/2019/07/05/mas_futbol/1562322985_906856.html|title=Walter Pandiani vuelve a España para entrenar al Lorca en Tercera|trans-title=Walter Pandiani returns to Spain to manage Lorca in Tercera|newspaper=Diario AS|language=es|first=Javi|last=González V.|date=5 July 2019|access-date=31 October 2022}} He left on 30 December 2019, with the team in seventh place.{{cite web|url=https://murciaplaza.com/ElinternacionaluruguayoPandianidejaelbanquillodelLorcaFCseismesesdespusdellegar|title=El internacional uruguayo Pandiani deja el banquillo del Lorca FC seis meses después de llegar|trans-title=Uruguayan international Pandiani leaves the Lorca FC dugout six months after arriving|publisher=Murcia Plaza|language=es|first=M. G.|last=Tallón|date=30 December 2019|access-date=31 October 2022}}

Following a spell at Dibba Al-Hisn in the United Arab Emirates, where he signed his son Axel,{{cite news|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/internacional/20210125/491748754253/axel-pandiani-se-une-a-su-padre-walter-en-el-dibba-al-hisn-arabe.html|title=Axel Pandiani se une a su padre Walter en el Dibba Al-Hisn árabe|trans-title=Axel Pandiani joins his father Walter at Arab Dibba Al-Hisn|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|language=es|first=Javier|last=Alfaro|date=25 January 2021|access-date=31 October 2022}} Pandiani was hired at Cerro in the Uruguayan Segunda División in June 2021. He lost in the promotion playoffs to Defensor in his first season and was sacked in July 2022 with the team in fourth.{{cite news|url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/ovacion/futbol/cerro-quedo-entrenador-walter-pandiani-continua-club.html|title=Walter Pandiani no sigue en Cerro y ya tiene nuevo entrenador|trans-title=Walter Pandiani does not continue in Cerro and they now have a new manager|newspaper=El País|language=es|date=6 July 2022|access-date=31 October 2022}}

On 27 July 2022, Pandiani signed for Cerrito, in last place in the top flight.{{cite news|url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/ovacion/futbol/cerrito-arranca-torneo-clausura-nuevo-tecnico-asumio-walter-rifle-pandiani.html|title=Cerrito arranca el Torneo Clausura con nuevo técnico: asumió Walter "Rifle" Pandiani|trans-title=Cerrito begin the Torneo Clausura with new manager: Walter "Rifle" Pandiani signed|newspaper=El País|language=es|date=27 July 2022|access-date=31 October 2022}} He was fired on 30 August after taking two points from five games.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.pa/futbol/uruguay/nota/_/id/10846870/pandiani-salida-cerrito-vuelve-marcenaro|title=Pandiani se fue de Cerrito tras un mes en el cargo y vuelve Marcenaro

|trans-title=Pandiani left Cerrito after a month in the role and Marcenaro returns|publisher=ESPN|language=es|date=30 August 2022|access-date=31 October 2022}}

Pandiani was announced as the new manager of Albion on 20 December 2022, ahead of the 2023 season in the second division.{{cite web|url=https://albionfc.uy/bienvenido-rifle/|title=Bienvenido, ¡Rifle!|trans-title=Welcome, Rifle!|publisher=Albion F.C.|language=es|date=20 December 2022|accessdate=8 January 2023}} He left the club at the end of the campaign, and took over Miramar Misiones in the top tier on 27 May 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.montevideo.com.uy/Deportes/Walter-Rifle-Pandiani-fue-anunciado-como-nuevo-director-tecnico-de-Miramar-Misiones-uc889554|title=Walter "Rifle" Pandiani fue anunciado como nuevo director técnico de Miramar Misiones|trans-title=Walter Rifle Pandiani was announced as new manager of Miramar Misiones|publisher=Fútbol.uy|language=es|date=27 May 2024|access-date=27 May 2024}}

Style of play

Nicknamed El Rifle (The Rifle),{{cite news|url=http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias/deportes/el-rifle-pandiani-podria-debutar-frente-a-deportiva_720307.html |title="El Rifle" Pandiani podría debutar frente a la Deportiva|trans-title='The Rifle' Pandiani could make debut against Deportiva|newspaper=Diario de León|language=es|date=28 August 2012|access-date=12 September 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/noticias/deportes/el-rifle-rsquo-de-pandiani-caza-otra-remontada_763561.html|title=El 'rifle' de Pandiani caza otra remontada|trans-title=Pandiani's 'rifle' hunts another comeback|newspaper=El Periódico Mediterráneo|first=Raül|last=Badenes|language=es|date=2 September 2012|access-date=12 September 2012}} Pandiani's best assets were his strength and aerial ability.{{cite news|url=http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias/deportes/walter-pandiani-paso-superar-record-roy-makaay-deportivo_99804.html|title=Walter Pandiani, a un paso de superar el récord de Roy Makaay en el Deportivo|trans-title=Walter Pandiani, about to surpass Roy Makaay's record at Deportivo|newspaper=Diario de León|first=Ignacio|last=Tylko|language=es|date=23 September 2003|access-date=9 January 2017}}

Career statistics

=International=

:Source:{{NFT|7020|name=Pandiani, Walter|access-date=11 November 2011}}

Year	Apps	Goals
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|colspan="3"\|Uruguay
2001	1	0
2002	0	0
2003	1	0
2004	2	0
Total	4	0

Honours

Peñarol

Uruguayan Primera División: 1999

Deportivo

{{lang|es|Copa del Rey|italic=no}}: 2001–02
Supercopa de España: 2000, 2002

Mallorca

Copa del Rey: 2002–03{{Cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/2003/06/29/deportes/1056837603_850215.html|title=Eto'o pone Mallorca a brindar|trans-title=Eto'o has Mallorca toasting|newspaper=El País|first=José|last=Miguelez|language=es|date=29 June 2003|access-date=5 April 2016}}

Espanyol

Copa del Rey: 2005–06{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2006/04/13/pagina-14/813719/pdf.html|title=¡Increíble Espanyol!|trans-title=Incredible Espanyol!|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|first=Andrés|last=Astruells|language=es|date=13 April 2006|access-date=5 January 2020}}
UEFA Cup runner-up: 2006–07

Lausanne

Swiss Challenge League: 2015–16

Individual

UEFA Cup Top Scorer: 2006–07

References

External links

{{BDFutbol|2627}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20071104004053/http://deportivo-la-coruna.com/profiles/pastplayers/pandiani.html Deportivo archives]
{{Soccerbase}}
{{NFT|7020}}
{{soccerway|walter-pandiani/3749}}