Massimo Ambrosini
AC Milan in 2012 | |||||||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Full name | Massimo Ambrosini[1] | ||||||||||||||||
Date of birth | 29 May 1977 | ||||||||||||||||
Place of birth | Pesaro, Italy | ||||||||||||||||
Height | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||||||||||||||||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||||||||||||||||
Youth career | |||||||||||||||||
1992–1994 |
Cesena | ||||||||||||||||
Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | ||||||||||||||
1994–1995 |
Cesena | 25 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
1995–2013 |
AC Milan | 344 | (29) | ||||||||||||||
1997–1998 |
→ Vicenza (loan) | 27 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
2013–2014 | Fiorentina | 21 | (0) | ||||||||||||||
Total | 417 | (31) | |||||||||||||||
International career | |||||||||||||||||
1995 | Italy U18 | 22 | (4) | ||||||||||||||
1995–2000 | Italy U21 | 18 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
1999–2008 | Italy | 35 | (0) | ||||||||||||||
Medal record
| |||||||||||||||||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Massimo Ambrosini Cavaliere OMRI (Italian pronunciation: [ˈmassimo ambroˈziːni]; born 29 May 1977) is an Italian former professional footballer who mainly played as a defensive midfielder. At club level, he is mostly known for his successful time at Italian team AC Milan, where he spent eighteen years of his career, winning several titles, and captained the side from 2009 to 2013 following the retirement of Paolo Maldini. Ambrosini retired from professional football in 2014, after a season with Fiorentina.
At international level, he represented Italy at the 2000 Summer Olympics, and in two UEFA European Championships, winning a runners-up medal at UEFA Euro 2000.
He currently works as a pundit and football commentator for Sky Sport Italia.[2]
Club career
AC Milan
Ambrosini began his career with
In
In
In 2005–06, he again suffered a series of injuries which limited him to just 13 Serie A appearances and one goal, thus making him out of contention for the Italian squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Unlike the previous seasons,
Later that month, Ambrosini started in the
Ambrosini was Milan captain in the absence of Paolo Maldini throughout the
During the
This season was also memorable for him as he had managed a season total of eight goals (one in the UEFA Cup), more than he has scored in any season in his career with Milan. The goals included a brilliant header off
On 6 July 2009, as the Milan team reunited for
On 11 June 2013, Milan CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed that the club had decided not to extend Ambrosini's expiring contract, thus ending his eighteen-year stay at Milan.
Fiorentina
On 4 July 2013 Fiorentina confirmed on their official website that they had won the race to sign Ambrosini on a one-year deal, beating West Ham United who were also looking to sign him.[7] He made 30 appearances for Fiorentina in his first season with La Viola, helping the club to fourth place in Serie A. Massimo Ambrosini would announce on 21 May 2014 that he would be leaving Fiorentina after one season.
International career
Ambrosini made his senior international debut on 28 April 1999 against Croatia, under manager Dino Zoff,[8] and was part of the Italian squad at UEFA Euro 2000, which ended with an appearance as a substitute in the final loss to reigning World champions France following David Trezeguet's golden goal;[9] he also represented Italy at the 2000 Summer Olympics under Marco Tardelli later that year, where Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual finalists Spain.[10] Ambrosini was unavailable for selection for the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals under Giovanni Trapattoni due to injury,[11] and then failed to break into the squad for the UEFA Euro 2004 finals.[12] Under subsequent manager Marcello Lippi, he was also excluded from the national side and was not called up for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which Italy went on to win.[13]
On 16 August 2006, Ambrosini earned his 23rd cap for Italy after almost two years of absence from the squad in a 2–0 friendly home defeat to Croatia; for this match, he was given the captain's armband by coach Roberto Donadoni in the absence of regular contenders for the armband.[14][15] He was then called up by the national side's manager to Italy's squad for UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland,[16] appearing in all four of his nation's matches throughout the tournament, as Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the tournament by eventual champions Spain, following a penalty shootout.[17] After Donadoni's dismissal, however, Lippi was put back in charge, and Ambrosini was no longer called up for Italy, despite putting in battling displays for Milan.[13] In total he made 35 appearances for Italy.[18]
Style of play
A physically strong, tenacious, energetic, and hardworking box-to-box, central, or defensive midfielder, with a wide range of skills, Ambrosini was well regarded for his ability in the air, and was capable of being a goal-threat, in particular from set-pieces, due to his height, elevation, ability to make attacking runs into the area, and his heading accuracy, as well as his powerful striking ability from distance, which even led manager Carlo Ancelotti to deploy him as a centre forward on occasion. Throughout his career, he stood out for his leadership, as well as his stamina, versatility, tactical intelligence, and aggressive tackling. Although Ambrosini primarily served as a ball winner, he was also known for his ability to start attacking plays after winning back possession, courtesy of his vision and passing range, despite his lack of notable technical skills.[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Despite his ability as a midfielder, he often struggled with injuries throughout his career.[13]
Personal life
Massimo Ambrosini is married to an Italian woman, Paola Ambrosini.[27] Ambrosini has two children with his wife, his son Federico Ambrosini was born on 11 May 2009,[28] and his daughter Angelica Ambrosini was born on 21 November 2011.[29]
Career statistics
Club
Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Cesena
|
1994–95 | Serie B | 25 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 27 | 1 | ||
AC Milan
|
1995–96
|
Serie A | 7 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3[a] | 0 | — | 14 | 0 | |
1996–97
|
11 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4[b] | 0 | — | 18 | 0 | |||
1998–99
|
26 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 29 | 1 | ||||
1999–2000
|
29 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2[b] | 0 | 1[c] | 0 | 36 | 2 | ||
2000–01
|
16 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7[b] | 0 | — | 26 | 4 | |||
2001–02
|
9 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3[a] | 0 | — | 13 | 3 | |||
2002–03
|
21 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 13[b] | 0 | — | 37 | 2 | |||
2003–04
|
20 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6[b] | 0 | 3[d] | 0 | 32 | 2 | ||
2004–05
|
22 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 11[b] | 1 | 1[c] | 0 | 38 | 4 | ||
2005–06
|
13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4[b] | 0 | — | 18 | 1 | |||
2006–07
|
19 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 12[b] | 0 | — | 34 | 2 | |||
2007–08
|
33 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 7[b] | 0 | 3[e] | 0 | 43 | 4 | ||
2008–09
|
28 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 5[a] | 1 | — | 33 | 8 | |||
2009–10
|
30 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8[b] | 0 | — | 39 | 1 | |||
2010–11
|
18 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4[b] | 0 | — | 23 | 1 | |||
2011–12
|
22 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6[b] | 0 | 1[c] | 0 | 31 | 1 | ||
2012–13
|
20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4[b] | 0 | — | 25 | 0 | |||
Total | 344 | 29 | 37 | 5 | 99 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 489 | 36 | ||
Vicenza (loan)
|
1997–98 | Serie A | 27 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 6[e] | 0 | 34 | 1 | |
Fiorentina | 2013–14 | Serie A | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8[a] | 1 | — | 30 | 1 | |
Career total | 417 | 31 | 41 | 5 | 107 | 3 | 15 | 0 | 580 | 39 |
- ^ a b c d Appearances in UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ a b c Appearances in Supercoppa Italiana
- ^ Appearances in Supercoppa Italiana, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup
- ^ a b Appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
International
National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
---|---|---|---|
Italy | 1999 | 1 | 0 |
2000 | 7 | 0 | |
2001 | 0 | 0 | |
2002 | 6 | 0 | |
2003 | 5 | 0 | |
2004 | 3 | 0 | |
2005 | 0 | 0 | |
2006 | 1 | 0 | |
2007 | 6 | 0 | |
2008 | 6 | 0 | |
Total | 35 | 0 |
Honours
AC Milan[32]
- Serie A: 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04, 2010–11
- Coppa Italia: 2002–03
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2004, 2011
- 2006–07
- UEFA Super Cup: 2003, 2007
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
Italy
- UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2000[32]
Individual
- AC Milan Hall of Fame[33]
Orders
- 5th Class / Knight: Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 2000[34]
References
- ^ "Comunicato Ufficiale N. 56" [Official Press Release No. 56] (PDF) (in Italian). Lega Serie A. 7 October 2013. p. 5. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
- ^ "Tifosi del Milan contro le telecronache Ambrosini".
- ^ "Massimo Ambrosini: football player profile & stats". A.C. Milan.
- ^ "Al Milan anche la Coppa Italia". La Repubblica. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
- ^ "AVANTI, CAPITANO!" (in Italian). A.C. Milan. 8 September 2009. Archived from the original on 11 September 2009. Retrieved 8 September 2009.
- ^ "A.C. MILAN COMUNICATO UFFICIALE". A.C. Milan (in Italian). 19 May 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ "Massimo Ambrosini signs one-year deal with Fiorentina". Sky Sports News. 4 July 2013. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
- ^ "Croazia – Italia, la noia batte tutti" (in Italian). Il Corriere della Sera. 29 April 1999. Archived from the original on 6 December 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
- ^ "Gol d'oro per Trezeguet e la Francia" [Golden goal for Trezeguet and France] (in Italian). UEFA.com. 6 October 2003. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
- ^ "Italia sconfitta" (in Italian). RaiSport. 23 September 2000. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
- ^ "Ecco i 23 azzurri per i Mondiali". La Repubblica (in Italian). 8 May 2002. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
- ^ "Azzurri senza sorprese" (in Italian). Eurosport.com. 18 May 2004. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
- ^ a b c "Ambro-Borriello, ombre su Lippi" (in Italian). Sport Mediaset. 7 January 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
- ^ "Lucarelli, Liverani e linea verde ecco la Nazionale di Donadoni". La Repubblica (in Italian). 12 August 2006. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
- ^ "Delude all'esordio l'Italia di Donadoni: la Croazia vince 2 a 0". Il Sole 24 Ore (in Italian). 17 August 2006. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
- ^ "Italy squad for Euro 2008". The Guardian. 28 May 2008. Retrieved 28 January 2014.
- ESPNsoccernet. ESPN. 22 June 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
- ^ a b "Ambrosini, Massimo". figc.it (in Italian). FIGC. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
- ^ "BBC Sport, Euro 2000 Profile: Massimo Ambrosini". BBC. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
- ^ John Ley (9 June 2000). "Italy Team Details". The Telegraph. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
- ^ Carlo Laudisa (19 December 2003). "Samp consolati Ecco Ambrosini" [Samp, console yourself Here's Ambrosini]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- ^ Andrea Masala (29 October 1999). "Ambrosini e Gattuso, il Milan che corre" [Ambrosini and Gattuso, the Milan that runs]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- ^ Alberto Costa (22 October 2007). "Ambrosini centravanti, una geniale provocazione" [Ambrosini centre forward, an ingenious provocation]. Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 17 November 2010.
- ^ "Italy squad at a glance". BBC. 14 November 2000. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ "Massimo Ambrosini". La Repubblica (in Italian). 23 May 2008. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
- ^ Gary M Prior (13 July 2000). "Profile: Massimo Ambrosini". ESPN FC. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ^ "Nel giorno del riposo rossonero Ambrosini fa il veneziano e dice sì". goal.com (in Italian). 28 April 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ^ Vince Masiello (11 May 2009). "Milan Midfielder Massimo Ambrosini Becomes A Father". goal.com. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ^ Pietro Mazzara (22 November 2011). "Fiocco rosa in casa Ambrosini: è nata Angelica". milannews.it (in Italian). Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ^ "Massimo Ambrosini". A.C. Milan. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
- ^ "Massimo Ambrosini". national-football-teams.com. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
- ^ a b "M. Ambrosini". Soccerway. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
- ^ "A.C. Milan Hall of Fame: Massimo Ambrosini". A.C. Milan. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
- ^ "Ambrosini Sig. Massimo – Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana". quirinale.it. Retrieved 1 September 2010.
External links
- FootballDatabase.com provides Ambrosini's profile and stats
- FIFA Profile
- UEFA Profile
- AIC Profile (in Italian)
- FIGC Profile (in Italian)