Massimo De Stefanis was born in Rome, on February 8, 1957.
He was formed in the Lazio youth sector. He was part of the squad, along with Bruno Giordano and Lionello Manfredonia, that won the Primavera Scudetto (U19's) in 1975-76.
In 1976-77 he joined the first team, under Luis Vinicio, but did not play and Lazio finished 5th (UEFA Cup).
In 1977-78 Vinicio was replaced by Bob Lovati after 24 matches and De Stefanis made his debut in his one and only league game that season. Lazio finished 10th.
In 1978-79 Lovati stayed on and Lazio finished 8th. De Stefanis played 3 league games.
In 1979-80 he left Lazio and joined Palermo in Serie B. He stayed in Sicily for five seasons. The Rosanero finished 9th, 14th, 7th, 15th and 17th (relegated). His managers were Giancarlo Cadè in the first season, a trio Fernando Veneranda, Vincenzo Urbani and Carmelo Di Bella in the second, Antonio Renna in the third and fourth and Gustavo Giagnoni and Graziano Landoni in the fifth. His teammates included, former Lazio, Paolo Ammoniaci (1975-79) and Totó Lopez (1975-1980) plus future Lazio Maurizio Schillaci (1986-87). De Stefanis played 169 league games for the Eagles and scored 30 goals (in 1983-84 was top scorer with 11).
In 1984 he moved to Perugia in Serie B. The manager was Aldo Agroppi and the "Grifone" went close to promotion finishing 4th. Perugia only lost once all season but drew 26 times. De Stefanis played 34 league games with 7 goals. He played alongside, future Lazio, Luca Brunetti (1986-88).
In 1985-86 he stayed in the Umbrian capital but it was a difficult season. Former Lazio player Massimo Giacomini (1963-64) started as manager and was then replaced by Giampiero Molinari after 26 matches but Perugia finished 18th and were relegated. De Stefanis played 31 league games with 5 goals. Things then got worse for the Biancorossi as they were then further relegated to C2 (4th tier) due to their involvement in the "Totonero bis” match fixing scandal.
De Stefanis left and joined Arezzo in Serie B. The manager was Enzo Riccomini and the "Cavallino" (The Foal) finished 12th. Arezzo drew one and won one against Lazio. De Stefanis played 36 league games with 5 goals. His teammates included former Lazio Francesco Dell'Anno (1983-86), Enrico Vella (1982-83), and future Lazio Fabrizio Di Mauro (1993-94) plus past and future Lazio keeper Fernando Orsi (1982-85, 1989-98).
In 1987-88 he stayed on but the Aretini were relegated, first under Bruno Bolchi (1-21) and then Antonio Angelillo (22-38). De Stefanis played 35 league games with 3 goals.
In 1988-89 he joined Ancona in Serie B. The manager was Giancarlo Cadè from his Palermo days and the Dorici finished 12th. De Stefanis played 29 league games with 1 goal. His teammates included former Lazio Oliviero Garlini (1984-86) and future Lazio Maurizio Neri (1991-93). This was De Stefanis last professional season as he then retired at 32.
Since retiring he has coached youth teams at amateur level in the Rome area.
De Stefanis was a midfielder. He was 1.79 and 76 kilos. He was a promising player in his youth, dynamic and with good, powerful shooting skills. His career took him away from Lazio but he had a decent Serie B career playing and scoring with continuity, 334 league games and 51 goals.
Lazio Career
Season | Total appearances | Serie A | Intertoto |
1977-78 | 5 (1) | 1 | 4 (1) |
1978-79 | 3 | 3 | - |
Total | 8 (1) | 4 | 4 (1) |
Sources
댓글