Walter Zenga

Zenga joined Inter Milan in 1982, after starting his professional career in 1978 in the lower divisions of Italian football (his first team was Salernitana in Serie C1, and he also played for Savona and Sambenedettese). Initially, (in the 1982–83 season) he was the substitute of Ivano Bordon, who was one of the top Italian goalkeepers of his era, as he had been Dino Zoff's reserve in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. However, Zenga played Inter's matches in the Coppa Italia, impressing enough that the club decided not to buy another goalkeeper after Bordon's decision to move to Sampdoria during the summer of 1983. Zenga became Inter's starting goalkeeper in the 1983–84 season, where he conceded only 23 goals, better than any other goalkeeper in that season.{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/walter-zenga.html|title=Walter Zenga: l'Uomo Ragno non muore mai|trans-title=Walter Zenga: Spider-Man never dies|publisher=Storie dei Calcio|author1=Beppe Di Corrado|language=it|access-date=21 October 2015}}

The next season would prove to be bittersweet for Zenga: although he continued to play excellently, he did not manage to win any trophies. In Italy, Inter was the main rival of Hellas Verona who won the first and, to this day, only Scudetto of its history in 1985, while in Europe he had to suffer two bitter and quite controversial defeats at the hands of Spanish giants Real Madrid, both times in the UEFA Cup semi-finals. However, personal success was growing: he became a fan favourite due to his qualities and his love for the team, his fame was now nationwide thanks to his larger than life personality and he quickly established himself as one of the premier goalkeepers of the country, which led to him being called up to Italy's squad for the 1986 World Cup.

Apart from enjoying the selection for a World Cup, the summer of 1986 proved to be important for Zenga also at club level. In fact, Inter signed Giovanni Trapattoni, who left Juventus after a highly successful 10-year stint, to manage the team. Meanwhile, the trio formed by Zenga, Giuseppe Bergomi and Riccardo Ferri (who respectively occupied the positions of goalkeeper, right-sided full-back, and man-marking centre-back/stopper) was becoming the cornerstone of the team and of the Italian team also. In the 1986–87 season. Inter closely fought Napoli for the Scudetto, finishing third despite a series of injuries which plagued the team in the final weeks of the season (among others, Marco Tardelli, Alessandro Altobelli and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had to watch the final matches from the bench). However, Zenga imposed himself as the best goalkeeper in Italy, finishing the 30 matches-long season conceding only 17 goals and by being picked by new Italy's manager Azeglio Vicini as the starter in the goalkeeping position.

The next season would prove to be disappointing for Inter and Zenga: the team struggled all the season, due to lack of compatibility between the two main forwards (team's captain Altobelli and the newly acquired Aldo Serena) and between the two offensive midfielders Gianfranco Matteoli and the Belgian Vincenzo Scifo. Plus Zenga, dissatisfied with the way the club was managed, decided to leave Inter and join the then dominant Napoli. However, the move did not materialize and Zenga remained with Inter. The highlight of the season for Zenga was the participation in the 1988 UEFA European Championships with Italy.

However, the next season would prove to be one of the best for Inter and Zenga. The team, reinvigorated by the acquisitions of the young Italians Alessandro Bianchi and Nicola Berti, the Germans Andreas Brehme and Lothar Matthäus from Bayern Munich and the Argentine Ramón Díaz dominated the season, winning the league title with a record haul of 58 points and breaking several other records during the year. Such a performance is even more impressive if the whole quality of the tournament is taken in consideration: in second position there was the Diego Maradona-led Napoli and in third position the star-studded and future European champion Milan. Zenga ended the season conceding only 19 goals, the best goalkeeper again in that respect.

The 1989–90 and 1990–91 seasons proved to be bittersweet for Inter: although the team remained a title contender, it didn't manage to take another success on home soil, except for the victory in the Supercoppa Italiana played in November 1989 against Sampdoria. The 1991 season turned out to be a close fight between Inter and Sampdoria, with the title decided in a match played in Milan, which Inter would lose 0–2 allowing Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini to win the league title. However, Inter won the UEFA Cup that year, defeating, among the others, Aston Villa, Atalanta and Sporting CP on the road to the final against Roma. Inter won the first match 2–0 and lost only 1–0 in Rome, achieving the first European success since the 1960s. After that match, manager Giovanni Trapattoni left the team, as he decided to return as coach of Juventus.

On a personal scale, Zenga experienced in these seasons the peak of his career. For three consecutive years (1989–1991) he was nominated by IFFHS the best goalkeeper in the world, ahead of goalkeepers like Michel Preud'homme, Rinat Dasaev and Andoni Zubizarreta.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2014/jun/05/internazionale-inter-milan-serie-a-alternative-club-guide|title=Internazionale: Serie A alternative club guide|date=5 June 2014|access-date=6 June 2014|work=The Guardian}} Zenga was at his best between the posts, as his great explosiveness and sharp reflexes enabled him to make great and spectacular saves. Not known for being a great penalty saver (frequently dropping down to the ground in the middle of the goal), in his career he did however save penalty kicks from Roberto Baggio, Michel Platini and Paul Merson.

Zenga continued to play for Inter until 1994, winning the UEFA Cup in 1991 and 1994, his last season with the club.

In 1994, Zenga transferred to Sampdoria,{{cite news |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1994/07/22/zenga-gli-ultimi-veleni.html |title=Zenga e gli Ultimi Veleni |work=la Repubblica |language=it |date=22 July 1994 |access-date=5 December 2023 }} and then to Padova two years later.

On March 4, 1997, Major League Soccer allocated Zenga to the New England Revolution.{{cite web|url=https://newengland-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/media/ClubHistory_CoachandPlayerRegistry.pdf |title=Club History Coach and Player Registry |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20180612135826/https://newengland-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/media/ClubHistory_CoachandPlayerRegistry.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2024}} He made his Revolution debut in the 1997 season opener on March 29, a 1-0 victory over the Dallas Burn.{{cite book |title=2024 Media Guide |publisher=New England Revolution|url=https://revolution.1rmg.com/season/2024/media-guide/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322013528/https://revolution.1rmg.com/season/2024/media-guide/ |access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=22 March 2024 }} He made his home debut on April 20, in a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Mutiny. During a game versus the Tampa Bay Mutiny, he celebrated a goal by running to the sidelines and making out with his girlfriend, as the Mutiny barely missed the open net straight from the kickoff.{{citation needed |date=September 2024}}

In June On July 20, the club placed Zenga on injured reserve following a knee injury. He would fly to Italy following the Revolution's 4-2 victory over Tampa Bay on July 18 for arthroscopic surgery.{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/07/18/tonight-tampa-bay-mutiny-vs-new-england-revolution/ |title=TONIGHT: TAMPA BAY MUTINY VS. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION |author=Page Rodney |date=July 18, 1997 |access-date=September 18, 2024}} Scott Coufal and Jeff Causey would fill in for Zenga until his return to net on September 12. Zenga was awarded MLS Player of the Month honors for the month of September, the first Revolution player to ever win the award. Despite missing time, Zenga was a finalist for the 1997 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award. He additionally represented the Revolution in the 1997 MLS All-Star Game, and won the team's Most Valuable Player Award. Prior to the All-Star game, at a fan event in Federal Hill, Providence, Rhode Island, then-Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci presented Zenga with a bottle of his personal marinara sauce, "Mayor’s Own Marinara Sauce."{{cite web|url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/1997/06/19/zenga-real-prize/50617150007/ |title=Zenga a Real Prize |author=Chapman, Doug |date=June 19, 1997 |access-date=September 18, 2024}} The Revolution supporter's group the Midnight Riders named Zenga their 1997 "Man of the Year."{{cite web|url=https://midnightriders.com/events-awards/man-of-the-year-award/ |title=Man of the Year Award

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On January 15, 1998, Zenga announced his retirement. He had led the Revolution to their first playoff berth in team history, and he finished the 1997 season with the second best goals-against average (1.27), second highest win total (15), and best league shootout record, allowing only 12 goals in 41 attempts.{{cite web|url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/1998/01/16/zenga-calls-it-quits/50583724007/ |author=Chapman, Doug |title=Zenga calls it quits |access-date=September 18, 2024}} Despite his retirement, Zenga would continue his affiliation with the club as a part-time European scout.

Zenga departed the Revolution to pursue an acting career (he and his girlfriend starred in an Italian soap opera),{{cite web|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1999/05/03/kiss-of-the-spiderman-keepercoach-walter-zenga-has-awakened-long-dormant-new-england |author=Wahl, Grant |title=Kiss of the Spiderman Keeper-Coach Walter Zenga Has Awakened Long Dormant New England|work=SI.com |date=May 3, 1999 |access-date=September 18, 2024}} however he would return on August 24, 1998, being named Revolution head coach after the resignation of Thomas Rongen on the same day. Zenga led the Revolution to a 3-3 record in the final 6 matches of the 1998 New England Revolution season.{{cite web|url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/1998/10/29/revs-name-zenga-player-coach/50537272007/ |title=Revs name Zenga player-coach |author=Szostak, Mike |access-date=September 18, 2024 |date=October 29, 1998}}

Zenga stipulated that he would only return to the Revolution for the 1999 season if he could play as well as coach, and he became the Revolution's (and league's) first-ever player/coach on October 28, 1998. As a player-manager, Zenga led the Revolution to a 10-20 record. After issuing an ultimatum, demanding contract extension discussions begin prior to the season's end, Zenga was relieved of his duties on September 30, with interim manager Steve Nicol being brought in to conclude the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/1999/10/01/zenga-issues-ultimatum-gets-fired/50514049007/ |title=Zenga Issues Ultimatum, Gets Fired |date=October 1, 1999 |access-date=September 18, 2024}}

Zenga was capped 58 times for the Italy national football team at senior level between 1987 and 1992.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/ital-recintlp.html|title=Italy – Record International Players|author1=Roberto Di Maggio|author2=José Luis Pierrend|date=14 September 2017|website=RSSSF|access-date=30 October 2017}} In these, he conceded only 21 goals (0.36 per game) and kept 41 clean sheets (70.69%), both averages being a record for the Italy national team. He previously featured in the Italian squad at the 1984 Olympics, where the team managed a fourth-place finish, and also featured as one of the Italy under-21 side's overage players at the 1986 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, as the team's starting goalkeeper.{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1986/10/29/zenga-spero-non-serva-una-sera-da.html|title=Zenga 'Spero non Serva Una Sera Da Eroe' |newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=29 October 1986|access-date=30 October 2017}} He was also included in Enzo Bearzot's 22-man Italy squad for the 1986 World Cup. Initially selected as the team's third goalkeeper behind Fiorentina's Giovanni Galli and Roma's Franco Tancredi, his name was taken in consideration by Bearzot before the match against the Michel Platini-led France due to the poor performances of Galli (who, in the end, also played against France).

Zenga became the Italy national side's starting goalkeeper under manager Azeglio Vicini, ahead of his perceived career rival, Stefano Tacconi.{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1987/11/19/mia-cara-inter-ti-lascio-cosi.html|title=Mia Cara Inter Ti Lascio Cosi'|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Licia Granello |date=19 November 1987|access-date=29 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2002/ottobre/18/Zenga_Tacconi_quando_rivalita_era_ga_0_0210182815.shtml|title=Zenga e Tacconi: quando la rivalità era uno spettacolo|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Fabio Bianchi|date=18 October 2002|access-date=30 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1990/09/25/ho-fatto-troppa-panchina.html|title=Ho Fatto Troppa Panchina |newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Fulvio Bianchi |date=25 September 1990|access-date=30 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Mondiali/21-05-2014/calcio-beffa-maradona-rovina-notti-magiche-80723709462.shtml|title=Calcio, La beffa di Maradona rovina le notti magiche|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Nicola Cecere|date=21 May 2014|access-date=30 October 2017}} During the 1988 UEFA European Championships, Zenga played all four of Italy's matches (a 1–1 draw against West Germany, a 1–0 victory over Spain, and a 2–0 win over Denmark in the group stage matches, and a 0–2 loss against the Soviet Union in the semi-final). Here again Zenga was at the centre of controversy: in the first match against West Germany he conceded a free kick inside the penalty area due to having made too many steps while carrying the ball in his hands (an infringement rarely penalised). Andreas Brehme, who would become Zenga's teammate at Inter only a few months later, scored from the resulting free kick to tie the game for West Germany. Italy reached the semi-finals of the competition.

Zenga remained first choice goalkeeper when Italy hosted the World Cup in 1990, and helped the team to a third-place finish, during which he set a record of five consecutive clean sheets, and a total of 518 minutes without conceding a goal, a record still standing.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/static/speciale/2010/sudafrica/storia/record-individuali.html|title=Minuti di imbattibilità portieri|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=30 October 2017}} His unbeaten streak was ended by Claudio Caniggia's header in the semi-finals against defending champions Argentina, after Zenga had made an error when coming out to collect a cross; following a 1–1 draw after extra-time, Argentina advanced to the final 4–3 on penalties, while Zenga failed to stop a single spot kick in the shoot-out. In the third-place match against England, Zenga conceded his second goal of the tournament when he was beaten by a David Platt header, although Italy managed to capture the bronze medal with a 2–1 victory.{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/mondiali_1990_inghilterra.html|title=Italia-Inghilterra: 2-1 - L'Italia non s'è persa|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=26 June 2014}}

After Italy had failed to qualify for the 1992 European Championship, Arrigo Sacchi was appointed as Italy's new manager, and he eventually excluded Zenga from his side, in favour of goalkeepers who were more suited to his zonal marking defensive system, such as Gianluca Pagliuca, and Luca Marchegiani.

An aggressive, consistent, physically strong, complete, and athletic goalkeeper, Zenga was nicknamed Deltaplano ("Hang glider"){{cite news|author=Carlo Grandini|author2=Giulio Nascimbeni|author3=Roberto Perrone|title=Brera, la firma impossibile da imitare|newspaper=Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=20 December 1992}}{{cite news|url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,33/articleid,0696_01_1995_0056_0041_10284761/|title=Peruzzi. La mia sfida con Zenga|newspaper=La Stampa|language=it|date=26 February 1995|author=Marco Ansaldo|page=33}} due to his excellent shot-stopping abilities, positioning, explosive reactions, bravery, and in particular for his speed, elegance, and agility, which enabled him to produce spectacular saves. Despite his reputation, the media was often critical of Zenga's penalty-saving record throughout his career, although he stopped penalties against notable specialists, such as Roberto Baggio, Paul Merson and Michel Platini;{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/central/2016-08-01/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-walter-zenga/|title=10 things you need to know about Walter Zenga|publisher=ITV|date=1 August 2016|access-date=4 August 2016}} he was also criticised by pundits for his unsteady performances when coming out off his line to claim crosses, and performed best between the posts,{{cite news|url=http://www.ilfoglio.it/ritratti/2009/06/02/walter-zenga___1-vr-8478-rubriche_c204.htm|title=Walter Zenga|newspaper=Il Foglio|date=2 June 2009|access-date=16 August 2016|author=Beppe Di Corrado|language=it|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828065619/http://www.ilfoglio.it/ritratti/2009/06/02/walter-zenga___1-vr-8478-rubriche_c204.htm|archive-date=28 August 2016}}{{cite news|title=Pagliuca e Zenga, sfida all'ultimo volo|newspaper=La Stampa|url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,27/articleid,0881_01_1991_0225_0027_12268576/|page=27|date=22 September 1991|access-date=16 August 2016|language=it}}{{cite news|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1990/07/05/zenga-contro-tutti.html|title=Zenga contro tutti|author=Fulvio Bianchi|newspaper=la Repubblica|date=5 July 1990|access-date=16 August 2016|language=it}} while he was also not particularly adept with the ball at his feet, or very confident in his distribution,{{cite web|url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,6/articleid,0909_02_1990_0170_0030_18576516/|title=Zenga: Napoli ci amerà |newspaper=La Stampa Sera|language=it|author1=Gianni Ranieri|page=6|date=2 July 1990|access-date=30 October 2017}} and initially struggled in teams which employed a zonal marking defensive system and the offside trap, due to his reluctancy to rush out of goal.{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1992/09/08/sacchi-piace-il-in-silenzio.html|title=A SACCHI PIACE IL N.1 IN SILENZIO|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=LICIA GRANELLO|date=8 September 1992|access-date=30 October 2017}} Nevertheless, he was able to adapt successfully to the changes in regulations following the introduction of the back-pass rule, and maintained a high level of performance as his career progressed, even as goalkeepers were required to play more frequently with their feet.{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/giugno/28/portieri_anche_piedi_hanno_ali_co_0_93062814308.shtml|title=Portieri, anche i piedi hanno le ali|newspaper=Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=28 June 1993|access-date=10 October 2015}} In addition to his goalkeeping ability, Zenga also stood out for his strong mentality and leadership from the back, as well as his temper and flamboyant celebrations as a footballer,{{cite web|url=https://www.panorama.it/sport/calcio/5-portieri-inter-scudetto-castellini/|title=5 portieri scudettati per 50 anni di Inter, visti da Luciano Castellini|publisher=Panorama|language=it|author1=Filippo Nassetti|date=8 January 2016|access-date=30 October 2017}} and was also known for his composure under pressure, which enabled him not to be fazed if he ever made any errors.{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//2005/settembre/03/Uno_tutti_sw_0_0509031892.shtml |title=Uno su tutti |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |author1=Iacopo Iandiorio |date=3 September 2005 |access-date=30 May 2018 }}

His other nickname, L'Uomo Ragno ("Spider-Man"), is not related to his goalkeeping skills, but rather to a curious circumstance: in 1992, while answering questions about his exclusion from the Italy national team, Zenga softly sang a song by the Italian band 883, called Hanno ucciso l'Uomo Ragno ("Someone killed Spider-Man"),{{cite news|title=Sacchi ha deciso: fuori Zenga|newspaper=Corriere della Sera|author=Fabio Monti|page=34|date=5 September 1992|language=it}} which led pundits and supporters to call him like the Marvel Comics character.

Zenga became the head coach of the New England Revolution on August 24, 1998, replacing Thomas Rongen for the final six matches of the 1998 season. On October 28, Zenga was announced as Player-Manager of New England Revolution heading into the 1999 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.socceramerica.com/article/21580/mls-new-england-signs-zenga-as-player-coach.html|title=SoccerAmerica – MLS: New England signs Zenga as player-coach 10/28/1998|website=www.socceramerica.com|access-date=20 October 2016}} His tenure as Player-Manager would last less than one full campaign, as he was replaced with two matches left left to play, following the Revolution's 1-0 loss to the Dallas Burn, on September 30, 1999. After he left the club, Zenga retired from active football, choosing to pursue a coaching career.

After a short stint with Milanese Serie D team Brera, Zenga moved to Romania in 2002, first managing Naţional București and then FCSB, where he won the domestic title and reached the Round of 16 of the 2004–05 UEFA Cup after eliminating UEFA Cup winners Valencia from the competition.

In the summer 2005, after being fired from FCSB before the end of the season, Zenga joined Red Star Belgrade, leading the Serbo-Montenegrin team to a double (national league and national cup).

In the summer 2006, Zenga was appointed as coach of Turkish Süper Lig side Gaziantepspor; however, after a poor start (five wins in 17 league matches), he resigned in January 2007 in order to accept an offer from United Arab Emirates club Al-Ain.

After just five months in charge, Al-Ain sacked Zenga, who was announced in September 2007 as new Dinamo București coach, replacing Mircea Rednic, but he resigned only two months later following a 1–0 loss in a local derby lost to FCSB.{{cite news|url=http://tuttomercatoweb.com/index.php?action=read&id=81229|website=TuttoMercatoWeb|language=it|title=UFFICIALE: Walter Zenga si dimette dalla Dinamo Bucarest|access-date=12 March 2008|date=25 November 2007}}{{dead link|date=July 2016}} He then accepted a job as a football commentator and pundit for Italian public broadcasting service RAI.

On 1 April 2008, he agreed to replace resigning boss Silvio Baldini as manager of Catania.{{cite news |url=http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=677778.html?cid=rssfeed&att=index |title= Zenga to rally Catania troops |work= UEFA | date= 1 April 2008 |access-date= 1 April 2008}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2008/04_Aprile/01/zenga.shtml |title=Zenga riparte da Catania |language=it |access-date=25 October 2015 |date=1 April 2008 |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|last=Finocchiaro|first=Giovanni}} He made his Serie A debut on 6 April with a 3–0 home win against Napoli,{{cite news |url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/04/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata-32-a/catania-napoli/catania-napoli.html |newspaper=La Repubblica |language=it |date=6 April 2008 |access-date=11 April 2008 |title=Buona la prima di Zenga a Catania, sonoro 3–0 a un Napoli svagato}} leading them to a dramatic relegation escape during the final minutes of the league, after a 1–1 home draw against Roma.

Confirmed at the helm of Catania for the 2008–09 season, Zenga proved to be fit for the Italian top flight, leading the rossoazzurri to impressive results in the early part of the season, and agreeing a one-year contract extension with the Sicilian club.{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Squadre/Catania/Primo_Piano/2008/12/11/zenga_1112.shtml |title=Zenga-Catania fino al 2010 |language=it |access-date=15 October 2015 |date=11 December 2008 |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport}}

Catania's playing style under Zenga was notable for the coach's focus on free kick planning; his assistant manager Gianni Vio is known to work exclusively on this particular side of football tactics during the weekly training sessions.{{cite news |url=http://www.siciliasport.net/Gianni-Vio-lo-stratega-dei-calci.html |title=Gianni Vio, lo stratega dei calci piazziati |language=it |access-date=13 December 2008 |date=18 November 2008 |website=SiciliaSport|last=Finocchiaro|first=Giovanni}}{{dead link|date=July 2016}} He guided Catania to a mid-table finish and the Serie A points record for the eastern Sicilian side; at the final home game of the season he announced he was parting company with his club by mutual consent.

On 5 June 2009, after being linked with the managerial job at Lazio it was revealed that Zenga had agreed a three-year contract with Palermo to replace outgoing manager Davide Ballardini; the move was seen as a massive surprise due to the Rosanero club being rumoured to be interested in several other managers and the bitter rivalry between them and Catania, the only two Sicilian teams playing in the Italian top flight.{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Palermo/05-06-2009/zenga-uomo-nuovo-50492606646.shtml |title=Zenga, l'uomo nuovo per un EuroPalermo |language=it |access-date=5 June 2009 |date=5 June 2009 |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport}} He debuted with a 4–2 Coppa Italia win over SPAL 1907, and a 2–1 home win against Napoli in the first week of the Serie A season. However, a number of disappointing results followed, ending in an unimpressive 1–1 home tie to Catania that led Palermo chairman Maurizio Zamparini to remove Zenga from his managerial duties on 23 November, after only thirteen league games in charge of the rosanero.{{cite news |url=http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/it/0910/news_scheda.jsp?id=18942 |language=it |publisher=US Città di Palermo |access-date=23 November 2009 |date=23 November 2009 |title=Walter Zenga sollevato dall'incarico |archive-date=27 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127152751/http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/it/0910/news_scheda.jsp?id=18942 |url-status=dead }}

On 11 May 2010, he was announced new head coach of Saudi Professional League club Al-Nassr.{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Estero/11-05-2010/ha-firmato-biennale-l-al-nasr-603940253307.shtml |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |access-date=11 May 2010 |date=11 May 2010 |title=Ha firmato un biennale con l'Al-Nasr}} He was removed from his position on 24 December after a string of poor results led Al-Nassr to be overtaken at the top of the league table.{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101224/sp_soccer_afp/fblksaitazenga |website=Yahoo! News |access-date=24 December 2010 |date=24 December 2010 |title=Walter Zenga fired as Al-Nasr coach |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101143140/http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101224/sp_soccer_afp/fblksaitazenga |archive-date=1 January 2011}}

On 6 January 2011, Zenga was appointed as new head coach of Al Nasr in the UAE Pro-League.[http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/inter-and-italy-legend-zenga-appointed-as-al-nasr-coach-1.741222 Inter and Italy legend Zenga appointed as Al Nasr coach | GulfNews.com]

On 4 June 2015, Zenga returned to Italy, and was appointed head coach at Serie A side Sampdoria for the 2015–16 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.sampdoria.it/zenga-sbarca-a-genova-quanta-emozione-finalmente-sono-tornato/|title=Zenga sbarca a Genova: "Quanta emozione, finalmente sono tornato!"|date=4 June 2015|access-date=5 June 2015|publisher=U.C. Sampdoria|language=it}} However, after he was sacked in November, and replaced by Vincenzo Montella as head coach,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/vincenzo-montella-replaces-former-arabian-gulf-league-manager-walter-zenga-at-sampdoria-1.31606|title = Vincenzo Montella replaces former Arabian Gulf League manager Walter Zenga at Sampdoria|date = 16 November 2015}} he later returned to the Middle East to manage bottom placed club Al-Shaab, however he was unable to turn around the club's fortunes and left the club on 20 February 2016 by mutual consent.{{cite web|url=http://sport360.com/article/football/arabian-gulf-league/164983/bottom-placed-al-shaab-terminate-walter-zengas-contract-by-mutual-consent/|title=Bottom-placed Al Shaab terminate Walter Zenga's contract by mutual consent|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|publisher=Sport 360|language=en}}

On 30 July 2016, Zenga was appointed head coach of Football League Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers for the 2016–17 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/news-walter-zenga-appointed-as-wolves-new-head-coach-3215301.aspx|title=NEWS {{!}} Walter Zenga Appointed as Wolves New Head Coach|date=30 July 2016|website=www.wolves.co.uk|publisher=Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|access-date=30 July 2016}} Despite having never managed in England, he cited his vast foreign experience as enough to succeed.{{cite news|title=Walter Zenga: Wolves boss says he is experienced enough to take charge of club|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36941419|access-date=13 May 2017}} On 2 August, he made his first signings, buying Icelandic striker Jón Daði Böðvarsson from Kaiserslautern and bringing in Portuguese midfielder João Teixeira on a season-long loan from Benfica.{{cite news|title=Wolves: Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Joao Teixeira join Championship club|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36941426|access-date=13 May 2017}}

In his first game on 6 August, Zenga's team drew 2–2 away to Rotherham United, coming back from a 2–0 deficit with ten players;{{cite news|title=Rotherham United 2-2 Wolves|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36929897|access-date=13 May 2017}} he described his first game as an "amazing experience".{{cite web|title=Rotherham 2-2 Wolves: Walter Zenga hails first taste of English football|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/10525941/rotherham-2-2-wolves-walter-zenga-hails-first-taste-of-english-football|website=Sky Sports|access-date=13 May 2017}} Zenga took Wolves on a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions, and eight points from his first four league games, including a 3–1 win at local rivals Birmingham City.{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 1-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers|work=BBC Sport |date=19 August 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37067354|access-date=13 May 2017}} He praised the Wolves players' spirit and credited them with leading them to the unbeaten start.{{cite news|title=Walter Zenga: Wolves boss says players' spirit has led to unbeaten start|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37144822|access-date=13 May 2017}}

Following the end of the summer transfer window, Zenga, having made ten new signings since his appointment, claimed that the Wolves squad was so strong that he could field two different teams if needed.{{cite news|title=Walter Zenga: Wolves head coach 'can play two teams' with strengthened squad|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37308941|access-date=13 May 2017}} Following a 4–0 loss to Barnsley, Wolves beat promotion favourites Newcastle United, to end their five-game winning run.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United 0-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers|work=BBC Sport |date=16 September 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37324949|access-date=13 May 2017}}{{cite news|title=Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 Brentford|work=BBC Sport |date=23 September 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37392408|access-date=13 May 2017}} Zenga claimed his team's subsequent performances showed that the defeat to Barnsley was "an accident".{{cite web|title=Walter Zenga delights in stunning Wolves win|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2016/09/17/walter-zenga-delights-in-stunning-wolves-win/|website=Express and Star|date=17 September 2016 |access-date=13 May 2017}} Wolves then went on a five-game winless run, losing four, that would lead to his dismissal.

Despite the insistence of Dave Edwards that Zenga retained the support of the Wolves players, he was dismissed on 25 October following only 4 wins out of the club's first 14 Championship fixtures and Wolves 18th in the table.{{cite news|title=Walter Zenga has Wolves squad's full support – Dave Edwards|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37742033|access-date=13 May 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37765308 |publisher=BBC Sport |language=en |access-date=25 October 2016 |date=25 October 2016 |title=Walter Zenga: Wolves part company with head coach}} On 7 April 2017, Wolves director Jeff Shi said: "I liked Walter. He was passionate, a really lovely guy... Later we found out it was not a good match. We had to change very quickly... The only big mistake in my mind was the coach appointment at the beginning of the season."{{cite news|title=Wolves: Jeff Shi says Walter Zenga appointment was 'only big mistake'|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39534382|access-date=13 May 2017}}

On 8 December 2017, Zenga was appointed Crotone manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/113979/official-crotone-appoint-zenga|title=Official: Crotone appoint Zenga|publisher=Football Italia|date=8 December 2017}} The team was relegated to Serie B at the end of the year.

Zenga returned into management on 11 October 2018 as he was named new head coach of Serie B club Venezia in place of Stefano Vecchi.{{cite news |website=TuttoMercatoWeb |language=it |access-date=12 October 2018 |date=11 October 2018 |url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-b/ufficiale-venezia-esonerato-vecchi-panchina-affidata-a-zenga-1167327 |title=UFFICIALE: Venezia, esonerato Vecchi. Panchina affidata a Zenga}} He was sacked on 5 March 2019, after a run of four losses in five games had the club fighting relegation.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/135417/venezia-sack-zenga-cosmi|publisher=Football Italia|title=Venezia sack Zenga for Cosmi|date=5 March 2019}}

On 3 March 2020, Zenga was appointed new head coach of Serie A club Cagliari, signing a contract until 30 June 2021, with Under-19 coach Max Canzi named as his assistant.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagliaricalcio.com/news/ultimissime/19651/walter-zenga-nuovo-allenatore-del-cagliari|title=Walter Zenga nuovo allenatore del Cagliari|publisher=Cagliari Calcio |language=it |access-date=3 March 2020|date=3 March 2020}} His debut for the Sardinian club was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown.{{cite news |title=Zenga: 'Rules must be respected' |url=https://www.football-italia.net/151212/zenga-rules-must-be-respected |access-date=22 March 2020 |publisher=Football Italia |date=15 March 2020}} He won three and drew four of his 13 games in charge as the team finished 14th, and was replaced by Eusebio Di Francesco in August.{{cite news |title=Cagliari appoint Di Francesco to replace Zenga as coach |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-cag/cagliari-appoint-di-francesco-to-replace-zenga-as-coach-idUKKBN24Z15N |access-date=10 August 2020 |publisher=Reuters |date=3 August 2020}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

On 27 September 2024, Italian Serie D club Siracusa announced the hiring of Zenga as a "club manager" and "brand ambassador", in a non-coaching role within the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.siracusanews.it/siracusa-calcio-e-ufficiale-walter-zenga-e-un-nuovo-dirigente/ |publisher=Siracusa News |date=27 September 2024 |accessdate=27 September 2024 |title=Siracusa calcio, è ufficiale: Walter Zenga è un nuovo dirigente}}

As a manager, Zenga usually uses a four–man back-line with his teams, while he has used several different tactical systems and formations in midfield and attack throughout his career.{{cite news |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/06/18/ecco-tutti-moduli-di-zenga-per.html |title=Ecco tutti i moduli di Zenga per l' operazione Champions |work=La Repubblica |language=it |last1=Prestigiacomp |first1=Dario |last2=Tripi |first2=Valerio |date=18 June 2009 |access-date=5 June 2020 }}

Zenga has five children. His first child, son Jacopo, was born from the marriage with Italian model and 1980 Miss Marche Elvira Carfagna.{{cite news |first=Laura |last=Ripani |url=https://www.corriereadriatico.it/marche/marche_ma_che_fine_ha_fatto_elvira_carfagna_miss_marche_prima_moglie_walter_zenga_oggi_nonna_triatleta-7968108.html |newspaper=Corriere Adriatico |language=it |access-date=23 May 2024 |date=2 March 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303212117/https://www.corriereadriatico.it/marche/marche_ma_che_fine_ha_fatto_elvira_carfagna_miss_marche_prima_moglie_walter_zenga_oggi_nonna_triatleta-7968108.html |archivedate=3 March 2024 |title=Elvira Carfagna, da Miss Marche (e moglie di Zenga) a triatleta: "Versace mi volle come modella" |url-status=live}} Jacopo Zenga would go on to become a footballer himself, playing in Serie D after spending time with Inter and Genoa at youth level.

From his second marriage, to TV personality {{ill|Roberta Termali|it}}, Zenga has two more sons, Nicolò and Andrea.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2002/luglio/25/nuova_sfida_Zenga_Bucarest_per_ga_0_020725475.shtml |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |access-date=8 June 2009 |date=25 July 2002 |title=La nuova sfida di Zenga: a Bucarest per rinascere}}

In 2005 while coaching in Bucharest, Zenga married 23-year-old Romanian woman Raluca Rebedea.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2008/aprile/22/Zenga_cuore_diviso_due_ga_10_080422042.shtml |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |access-date=8 June 2009 |date=22 April 2008 |title=Zenga cuore diviso in due}} On 19 November 2009, she gave birth to their daughter Samira Valentina;{{cite news |url=http://www.time4news.ro/monden/raluca-si-walter-zenga-au-devenit-parinti/ |publisher=Time4News |language=ro |title=Raluca si Walter Zenga au devenit parinti |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009162820/http://www.time4news.ro/monden/raluca-si-walter-zenga-au-devenit-parinti/ |archive-date=9 October 2011}} their second child, Walter Jr., was born in 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.ilsussidiario.net/news/raluca-rebedea-chi-e-la-moglie-di-walter-zenga-il-gossip-sulla-crisi-e/2414880/ |publisher=Il Sussidiario.net |date=2 October 2022 |accessdate=17 November 2023 |title=Raluca Rebedea, chi è la moglie di Walter Zenga/ Il gossip sulla crisi e… |language=it}} In April 2010, Zenga stated his willingness to take Romanian citizenship.{{cite news |url=http://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/gigi-a-fost-eclipsat-de-zenga-187322.html |newspaper=Gazeta Sporturilor |language=ro |title=Gigi a fost eclipsat de Zenga }} He obtained the status in April 2012.{{cite news |url=http://www.click.ro/sport/fotbal/zenga-povestit-peripetiile-din-romania-vezi-ce-patit-la-fc-national-steaua-si-dinamo |website=Click.ro |language=ro |access-date=21 June 2012 |date=3 April 2012|title=Zenga a povestit peripeţiile din România!}}

• ¹ Including appearances in 1989 Supercoppa Italiana, 1994 Supercoppa Italiana and MLS Cup Playoffs .

{{updated|28 April 2024}}

Inter Milan{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/walter-zenga_prs23443/person.shtml|title=Walter Zenga|website=Eurosport.com|access-date=20 December 2015}}

• Serie A: 1988–89
• Italian Super Cup: 1989
• UEFA Cup: 1991, 1994

Italy[https://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2016/09/tournaments-part-6-scania-100-1991.html?m=1 Tournaments-Part 6 – Scania 100 (1991)] Soccer Nostalgia. Tuesday, September 20, 2016

• Scania 100 Tournament: 1991

Individual

• MLS Player of the Month: 1997
• Midnight Riders Man of the Year Award: 1997
• MLS All-Star: 1997,[https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/all-star-game-flashback-1997-valderrama-named-mvp-again All-Star Game flashback, 1997] at MLSsoccer.com

1999{{Cite web |date=July 17, 1999 |title=1999 MLS All-Star Game |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/1999-mls-all-star-game-373142 |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=July 27, 2023}}

• Guerin d'Oro: 1987{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/italpoy.html|title=Italy – Footballer of the Year|website=RSSSF|access-date=6 February 2015}}
• IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper: 1989, 1990, 1991{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/iffhs-gkoy.html|title=IFFHS' World's Best Goalkeeper of the Year|author1=José Luis Pierrend|date=27 March 2015|website=RSSSF|access-date=20 December 2015}}
• UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 1990
• Pirata d'Oro (Internazionale Player of the Year): 1987{{cite web |author=Inter.it staff, inter(a t)inter.it |url=http://inter.it/aas/news/reader?L=en&N=24665&stringa=%22player%20of%20the%20year%22 |title=F.C. Internazionale Milano |website=Inter.it |date=17 November 2006 |access-date=14 October 2017 |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819174527/http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?L=en&N=24665&stringa=%22player%20of%20the%20year%22 |url-status=dead }}
• Inter Milan Hall of Fame: 2018{{cite web |url=https://www.inter.it/it/news/86203/hall-of-fame-ecco-i-4-vincitori-della-prima-edizione |title=Hall of Fame, Ecco I 4 Vincitori Della Prima Edizione |website=Inter.it |language=it |date=9 March 2018 |access-date=30 May 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142637/https://www.inter.it/it/news/86203/hall-of-fame-ecco-i-4-vincitori-della-prima-edizione |url-status=dead }}

;FCSB

• Romanian First League (1): 2004–05

Red Star Belgrade

• SuperLiga: 2005–06
• Serbian Cup: 2005–06

:*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 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150320014016/http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/Onorificenze.aspx?pag=3045&qIdOnorificenza=&cognome=&nome=&daAnno=1800&aAnno=2014&luogoNascita=&testo=&ordinamento=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 March 2015 |title=Onoreficenze |website=.quirinale.it |language=it |date=30 September 1991 |access-date=19 March 2015}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Zenga, Walter}}

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