Introduction
Gianpiero Marini ([dʒamˈpjɛːro maˈriːni]; born 25 February 1951 in Lodi) is an Italian former football manager and player, who played as a midfielder. A strong and hard-working defensive midfielder, Marini played for several Italian clubs throughout his career, in particular Internazionale, where he won a Serie A title and two Coppa Italia titles during his 11 seasons with the club. At international level, he represented Italy on 20 occasions between 1980 and 1983, and was a member of the team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
As a manager, Marini also coached Internazionale, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1994, as well as Como, Cremonese, and the Italy B side.
Club career
Nicknamed Malik by fans, Marini played 256 matches in Serie A, scoring 10 goals. Throughout his career, he played for several teams, including Fanfulla, Varese, Reggina, Triestina and most notably Internazionale Milano. With Inter, he won a Serie A title ("Scudetto") during the 1979–80 season, and two Coppa Italia titles in 1978 and 1982.
International career
With Italy, Marini obtained 20 caps between 1980 and 1983, and he represented Italy in their victorious 1982 FIFA World Cup campaign, which enabled him to become a World Champion.
Style of play
Marini was known in particular for his strength, work-rate, and ability to break down plays as a defensive midfielder, as well as his powerful and accurate striking ability from distance.
Managerial career
As coach, Marini also managed Internazionale during the 1993–94, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1994, despite narrowly avoiding relegation in the league; he later also coached Como on two different occasions (1997; 1999–2000), as well as Cremonese (1997–99), and the Italy B side in 2001.
Honours
Player
Club
- Inter
- Serie A: 1979–80
- Coppa Italia: 1977–78, 1981–82
International
- Italy
- FIFA World Cup: 1982
Coach
- Inter
- UEFA Cup: 1993–94