Demetrio Albertini was born in Besana in Brianza (Monza), on August 23, 1971.
He came through the Milan academy and joined the first team in 1988. In his first season he only played one league game (Como on January 15, '89) under Arrigo Sacchi. The Rossoneri finished 3rd but won the European Cup (Steaua Bucharest 4-0).
In 1989-90 a similar story, Albertini played one league game and Milan finished 2nd but won the European Cup (Benfica 1-0), European Supercup (Barcelona 2-1 on aggregate) and the Intercontinental Cup (Atlético Nacional Medellín 1-0)
Albertini was then sent out on loan and in 1990 joined Padova in Serie B. The Patavini had Mario Colautti as manager and finished 5th. Albertini played 28 league games and scored 5 goals (Udinese, Barletta, Pescara, Reggina x2). The squad included former Lazio Antonio Rizzolo and Giuseppe Galderisi.
In 1991 Albertini returned to Milan. He would remain eleven seasons playing 406 total games (293 in A, 41 in Coppa Italia, 61 in Europe and 11 between Supercups and Intercontinental cups). He scored a total of 28 goals (21 in A, 2 in Coppa Italia and 5 in Europe).
He played under Fabio Capello for six seasons, Giorgio Morini and Arrigo Sacchi for one, Alberto Zaccheroni for two and a half, Mauro Tassotti briefly and in his last, first Fatih Terim and then Carlo Ancelotti.
He won plenty at Milan, 5 league titles, 3 Italian Super Cups, 3 European Cups/Champions League, 2 European Super Cups and 2 Intercontinental Cups.
One cup he did not win was the 1998 Coppa Italia final against Lazio despite scoring in the return leg. Milan won the first match 1-0 at home and Albertini put them ahead in Rome too, just after halftime with a cracking freekick, but Lazio then roared back and scored three goals in ten minutes to win their second Coppa Italia.
In 2002 Albertini left Milan and joined Atlético Madrid. It was not a great year for the Colchoneros under Luis Aragonés as they finished 12th. Albertini played 28 league games with 2 goals and 2 games in the Copa del Rey with 1 goal. The Rojiblacos also lost on their centenary celebration day, 0-1 at home to Osasuna.
In 2003-04 Albertini signed a one-year contract for Lazio. The manager was Roberto Mancini and the club were going through financial difficulties after the Sergio Cragnotti days of wine and roses. It was however a positive year, the Biancocelesti finished 6th (UEFA qualification) and won the Coppa Italia (Juventus 4-2 on aggregate). Albertini played 23 league games with 2 goals (Lecce on debut, Sampdoria) plus 4 games in Coppa Italia. Lazio’s best results, apart from the cup triumph, were beating Juventus 2-0 and Inter 2-1, both at home.
In 2004-05 he joined Atalanta. The Orobici's manager was first Andrea Mandorlini and then after 14 games, future Lazio Delio Rossi. They were not able to avoid relegation. Albertini left in January anyway after playing 14 league games with 1 goal (Lecce on debut, again) and 2 in Coppa Italia with 1 goal (Reggina ).
In January 2005, at 34, he made a surprise move to Barcelona. The manager was former teammate Frank Rijkaard from his Milan days. The Blaugrana won the Liga although Albertini only played 5 league games and 1 in the Champions League.
He then retired after 521 professional games. To celebrate his career a friendly was played between Milan and Barcelona, on March 15, 2006 at San Siro.
At national level he won 79 caps for Italy with 3 goals (Brazil, Croatia, Estonia). He played in two world cups: USA ' 94 including the final lost to Brazil on penalties (he scored his), and France '98. He was also supposed to play in Japan /South Korea 2002 but injured his Achilles tendon a few months before. He took part in two European Championships; Euro '96 and Euro 2000 (Italy beaten finalists again, to France's golden goal). He captained Italy six times.
At Under 21 level played 17 games and won the 1992 European Championship, he also played 6 times for the 1992 Olympic team with 2 goals.
So, an excellent career. Albertini was considered one of the best midfielders of his generation. He was extremely versatile but usually played as playmaker, he was nicknamed "il metronomo” (the metronome) and "il cervello" (the brain). He had great vision, good long-range passes and a powerful shot (he also took freekicks and penalties, the spot kick with no run-up).
Since retiring he has held several jobs in the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) including Vice-President and President of the Technical Sector.
Away from institutional roles, he has set up his own Football Academy in and around Milan. He is head of sport marketing company in Milan. He is involved in organizing Padel tournaments with a project called City Padel Milano (one of his business partners is former Lazio Pierluigi Casiraghi). He has also written a book about great players in A.C Milan's history.
A busy man as dynamic as he was as a player.
At Lazio he only stayed one season but was highly appreciated for his class and experience. He stayed long enough to add yet another trophy to his vast collection, the 2004 Coppa Italia.
Lazio Career
Season | Total appearances (goals) | Serie A | Coppa Italia | Champions League |
2003-04 | 35 (2) | 23 (2) | 4 | 8 |
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