Simone Inzaghi
Inzaghi with Inter Milan in 2023
Personal information
Full name Simone Inzaghi[1]
Date of birth (1976-04-05) 5 April 1976
Place of birth Piacenza, Italy
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 Inter Milan (head coach)
Youth career
1992–1994 Piacenza
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994–1999 Piacenza 30 (15)
1994–1995 → Carpi (loan) 9 (0)
1995–1996 → Novara (loan) 23 (4)
1996–1997 → Lumezzane (loan) 23 (6)
1997–1998 → Brescello (loan) 21 (10)
1999–2010 Lazio 133 (28)
2005 → Sampdoria (loan) 5 (0)
2007–2008 → Atalanta (loan) 19 (0)
Total 263 (63)
International career
1993–1994 Italy U18 4 (1)
2000–2003 Italy 3 (0)
Managerial career
2016–2021 Lazio
2021– Inter Milan
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Simone Inzaghi (Italian pronunciation: [siˈmoːne inˈtsaːɡi]; born 5 April 1976) is an Italian professional football manager and former player. He is the head coach of Serie A club Inter Milan.

The younger brother of Filippo Inzaghi, Simone played as a striker for a host of clubs during his professional career, including Piacenza and Lazio. He remained at the Roman club for more than a decade, winning major honours including a scudetto in the 1999–2000 season, a European Super Cup, four Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. He earned three caps for Italy in as many years.[2]

Following his retirement from playing, Inzaghi embarked on a managerial career, initially in Lazio's youth teams before taking charge of the senior side in 2016 and guiding them to a Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. In 2021, he was appointed as manager of Inter Milan, winning a further two Coppa Italia, and two Supercoppa Italiana, and reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2023. As a manager, Inzaghi is known for employing the 3–5–2 formation, being one of several Italian coaches who have led a notable revival of this tactical system.[3][4]

Playing career

Club

Inzaghi started playing professionally in 1993 with hometown club Piacenza, although he did not get to feature in any matches with the first team in that season. The following year, he was loaned out to third division side Carpi; his first goal arrived in 1995–96, whilst at the service of Novara in the fourth level. After two more loan stints, at Lumezzane and U.S. Brescello, Inzaghi returned to Piacenza for the 1998–99 Serie A season, which would be his first in the top-flight of Italian football. He scored 15 goals in 30 matches and secured a transfer to powerhouses Lazio.

Despite stiff competition within a Lazio side packed with quality strikers such as Marcelo Salas and Alen Bokšić, the rotation policy of manager Sven-Göran Eriksson ensured that Inzaghi would get playing time; he appeared in 22 out of 34 Serie A matches in Lazio's highly successful 1999–2000 season scoring 7 goals, as his team went on to complete the domestic Double by winning both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia. In the Champions League, as Lazio progressed from both the first and the second group stages to reach the quarter-finals, Inzaghi scored 9 goals in 11 games (including four in a single game against Marseille on 14 March 2000, equalling the competition record held by Marco van Basten since 1992).[5]

The following seasons were not so successful, but Inzaghi did help Lazio conquer another Coppa Italia, in 2003–04; in September of that year, he extended his contract until June 2009.[6] Inzaghi spent the latter half of the 2004–05 season with Sampdoria, as part of a six-month player exchange with Fabio Bazzani.[7] He returned to Lazio for the 2005–06 campaign and stayed for the following, with only 12 appearances combined. The following season, Inzaghi joined Atalanta on loan.[8] Although he struggled to find his form early on, he managed to play in 19 league matches, mostly as a second-half substitute, but did not find the net.

Inzaghi returned to Lazio in 2008–09, despite not being in the plans of manager Delio Rossi.[9] A move away did not materialise and Inzaghi made his comeback in a 2–0 Cup win over former team Atalanta;[10] the season would end with Lazio winning the Coppa Italia, Inzaghi's third triumph in this competition, although he did not get to play in the final.[11] In the Serie A, Inzaghi made his first league appearance of the season in October, coming from the bench and scoring an equaliser two minutes from time to rescue a point against Lecce, in a 1–1 home draw;[12] it was his first Serie A goal since September 2004, but he would only appear in 12 games over two years, choosing to retire in the summer of 2010 at the age of 34.

International

Inzaghi played 3 times for Italy, in friendly matches. His first appearance came under Dino Zoff on 29 March 2000, in a 0–2 away loss against Spain in Barcelona. He came on in the 60th minute for Stefano Fiore, partnering his older brother Filippo upfront;[13] he made two more appearances for his country under Giovanni Trapattoni, in a 1–0 win over England in Turin on 15 November later the same year[14] and in another 1–0 win against Romania in Ancona, on 16 November 2003.[15]

Style of play

Throughout his career, Inzaghi's playing style was compared to that of his older brother Filippo and Paolo Rossi. Although he was not particularly skilful from a technical standpoint, he was a tall and fast striker with a slender physique, who was mainly known for his eye for goal, ability to play on the edge of the offside trap and clinical finishing inside the penalty area, in particular from close range, due to his opportunism and positional sense.[16]

Managerial career

Lazio

Following his retirement, Inzaghi remained with Lazio, managing its Allievi and Primavera sides.[17][18] On 3 April 2016, he was appointed to the senior team on an interim basis following the sacking of Stefano Pioli.[19]

For the 2016–17 season, Inzaghi was originally replaced by Marcelo Bielsa. However, as the Argentine left his post after less than one week due to undisclosed reasons, he was named as permanent manager.[20][21] He guided the team to fifth place in the domestic league as well as the final of the Italian Cup, lost to Juventus; on 7 June 2017, he renewed his contract until 2020.[22]

The 2017–18 campaign started on a high note, as Lazio defeated Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana with a 3–2 result.[23] They again finished fifth in Serie A, missing out on Champions League qualification on the final matchday after a 2–3 home loss to Internazionale.[24]

The 2018–19 season saw the side win the domestic cup 2–0 over Atalanta, conquering their seventh title overall and automatically qualifying for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League.[25]

On 22 December 2019, Inzaghi captured his second Supercoppa Italiana title with Lazio, following a 3–1 victory over Juventus.[26]

In the 2019–20 Serie A season, he led Lazio to finish fourth, which earned them the right to play in the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League, for the first time since 2007–08. Lazio managed to reach the round of 16 in the 2020–21 Champions League.[27]

Inter Milan

On 27 May 2021, following reports linking him as the next manager of Inter Milan, Lazio confirmed that Inzaghi had officially left the club.[28] On 3 June 2021, Inzaghi signed a two-year contract as coach of Inter.[29]

In his first season as Inter manager, Inzaghi won the Supercoppa Italiana on 12 January 2022 and the Coppa Italia on 11 May 2022, defeating Juventus at the end of extra-time in both cases, respectively 2–1 at San Siro and 4–2 at Stadio Olimpico.[30][31] He finished the Serie A championship in second place, being the most prolific attacking side with 84 goals,[32] and the Champions League campaign in the round of sixteen, being eliminated by Liverpool with a 1–2 on aggregate (2–0 defeat at San Siro and 1–0 win at Anfield).[33]

In his second season, despite an inconsistent Serie A campaign which saw Napoli stroll to the title, he did once again secure the Supercoppa Italiana and guided Inter to another Coppa Italia title. But, perhaps his most notable achievement was getting Inter into the Champions League Final for the first time in 13 years, after a memorable knock-out stage run which included a 3–0 aggregate victory over local rivals A.C. Milan in the semi-finals.[34] However, Inter lost 1–0 to Manchester City in the final.[35] On 5 September 2023, Inzaghi extended his contract with Inter until 2025.[36]

Style of management

Inzaghi has built a reputation for getting the most out of his players. He is known for deploying a 3–5–2 formation with wing-backs that like to get forward and join in the attacking play.[37] In his preferred formation, two central strikers are supported by an attacking midfielder who sits just in front of the other two players in midfield. It is a tactically fluid system which appears like a 5–3–2 out of possession as the wing-backs drop back into defence. Inzaghi is also known for his versatility in how he sets his team up to defend. During his spell at Lazio, he implemented both a high press and a mid-block to win the ball back when their opponents were in possession.[38][39] In 2022, Francesco Porzio of CBS Soccer noted that Inzaghi gave his players more freedom tactically than his predecessor Antonio Conte, which had a positive impact on the team's performances.[40] Inzaghi's tactical approach at Inter in the lead-up to the 2023 Champions League final against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City was described as "reactive" by Miguel Delaney of The Independent, who noted that it was "difficult to identify patterns or trends in Inter’s play" under Inzaghi, and as such, preparing to face Inzaghi's teams posed challenges for opposing managers, as they were difficult to read.[41] Beyond his tactical prowess, Inzaghi has also been praised for his leadership qualities as a manager, with James Horncastle of BBC Sport also noting in 2023 that he "...is adaptable, a good man-manager and someone who manages moments in games."[42]

Personal life

Born in Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, Simone Inzaghi is the younger brother of Filippo Inzaghi, who also became a footballer and striker. A world-class forward, Filippo had very successful spells with Juventus and A.C. Milan, winning all domestic Italian titles as well as the UEFA Champions League twice, while also helping the Italy national team win the 2006 FIFA World Cup.[43][44]

Simone Inzaghi has three sons, Tommaso (born 29 April 2001), with actress and television presenter Alessia Marcuzzi (relationship ended in 2004),[45][46] Lorenzo (born 14 April 2013)[47] and Andrea (born 8 August 2020),[48] with wife Gaia Lucariello (whom he married on 3 June 2018).[49]

Career statistics

Club

[50][51]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Coppa Italia Europe Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Piacenza 1993–94 Serie A 00–––00
1997–98 Serie A 0010––10
1998–99 Serie A 301500––3015
Total 301510––3115
Carpi (loan) 1994–95 Serie C1 90–––90
Novara (loan) 1995–96 Serie C2 234–––234
Lumezzane (loan) 1996–97 Serie C2 236–––236
Brescello (loan) 1997–98 Serie C1 2110–––2110
Lazio 1999–2000 Serie A 2276311[lower-alpha 1]91[lower-alpha 2]04019
2000–01 Serie A 134109[lower-alpha 1]300237
2001–02 Serie A 205216[lower-alpha 1]0–286
2002–03 Serie A 184318[lower-alpha 3]4–299
2003–04 Serie A 236415[lower-alpha 1]3–3210
2004–05 Serie A 121103[lower-alpha 3]100162
2005–06 Serie A 702100–91
2006–07 Serie A 5000––50
2008–09 Serie A 9110––101
2009–10 Serie A 3000000030
Total 1332820742201019655
Sampdoria (loan) 2004–05 Serie A 5020––70
Atalanta (loan) 2007–08 Serie A 19000––190
Career total 2626323742201032890
  1. 1 2 3 4 Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  2. ↑ Appearance in UEFA Super Cup
  3. 1 2 Appearances in UEFA Cup

International

[52]

Italy
YearAppsGoals
200020
200100
200200
200310
Total30

Managerial statistics

As of match played 13 January 2024[53]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat. From To Record
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Lazio Italy 3 April 2016 27 May 2021 251 134 45 72 463 325 +138 053.39
Inter Milan Italy 1 July 2021 present 136 88 24 24 265 117 +148 064.71
Total 387 222 69 96 728 442 +286 057.36

Honours

Player

Novara[50]

Lumezzane[54]

Lazio[50]

Manager

Lazio[50]

Inter Milan

Individual

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Comunicato Ufficiale N. 250" [Official Press Release No. 250] (PDF). Lega Serie A. 31 May 2015. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  2. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi named new Inter Milan coach to replace Antonio Corte". The Times of India. 3 June 2021. Archived from the original on 3 June 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  3. ↑ Basile, Matteo (15 September 2020). "Tre è il numero perfetto. La difesa che attacca dal campionato all'Europa". ilGiornale.it (in Italian). Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  4. ↑ Cardone, Giulio (6 May 2021). "Da Gasp ad Inzaghi: tutto parte dai 3 difensori centrali!". 888sport. Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  5. ↑ "Lazio 5–1 Marseille". UEFA. 14 March 2000. Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  6. ↑ New deal for Inzaghi Archived 25 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine; UEFA, 15 September 2004
  7. ↑ Inzaghi and Bazzani trade places Archived 21 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine; UEFA, 10 January 2005
  8. ↑ Inzaghi handed fresh task at Atalanta Archived 2 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine; UEFA, 29 August 2007
  9. ↑ Imparato, Ilario (24 October 2006). "Lazio, Rossi: "Nulla contro Simone Inzaghi"" [Lazio, Rossi: "Nothing against Simone Inzaghi"] (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  10. ↑ Ponticiello, Francesco (1 October 2008). "Lazio-Atalanta 2–0 (17' Ledesma, 84' Pandev)" (in Italian). La Lazio Siamo Noi. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  11. ↑ "Lazio-Atalanta 2–0 (17' Ledesma, 84' Pandev)" (in Italian). La Lazio Siamo Noi. 1 October 2008. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  12. ↑ "Inter catch Lazio in pole position". UEFA. 4 October 2008. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2010.
  13. ↑ Padovan, Giancarlo; Costa, Alberto (30 March 2000). "La Spagna chiude all'angolo l'Italia" [Spain finish Italy from the corner]. Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2017.
  14. ↑ "Gattuso lancia l'Italia contro l'Inghilterra" [Gattuso propels Italy against England]. La Repubblica (in Italian). 15 November 2000. Archived from the original on 29 December 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2017.
  15. ↑ "Italia-Romania 1–0" [Italy-Romania 1–0] (in Italian). Italia 1910. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2017.
  16. ↑ Kuper, Simon (9 April 2000). "The wonderful tale of Mamma Inzaghi and her boys". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  17. ↑ Raimondo, Elia (5 February 2013). "Filippo e Simone Inzaghi, due carriere da allenatore che vanno avanti di pari passo: dagli Allievi alle Primavera di Milan e Lazio" [Filippo and Simone Inzaghi, two coaching careers that go hand in hand: from the Allievi to the Primavera of Milan and Lazio] (in Italian). Goal. Archived from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  18. ↑ "Lazio, Simone Inzaghi è il nuovo allenatore della Primavera" [Lazio, Simone Inzaghi is the new Primavera coach]. La Stampa (in Italian). 7 January 2014. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  19. ↑ "Official: Lazio sack Pioli". Football Italia. 3 April 2016. Archived from the original on 4 October 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  20. ↑ "Lazio: Marcelo Bielsa quits as coach of Serie A side after two days". BBC Sport. 8 July 2016. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
  21. ↑ "Comunicato 08.07.2016" [Press release 08.07.2016] (in Italian). S.S. Lazio. 8 July 2016. Archived from the original on 8 July 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  22. ↑ "Official: Inzaghi at Lazio until 2020". Football Italia. 7 June 2017. Archived from the original on 11 June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  23. ↑ "Lazio beat Juventus in dramatic Italian Super Cup". BBC Sport. 13 August 2017. Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  24. ↑ Della Sala, Andrea (20 May 2018). "Inzaghi: "La Lazio ha dominato. Inter in Champions senza far fare parate a Strakosha"" [Inzaghi: “Lazio dominated. Inter in Champions without forcing Strakosha to make a save”] (in Italian). FC Inter 1908. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  25. ↑ "Coppa Italia: Atalanta bow to Lazio". Football Italia. 15 May 2019. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  26. ↑ "Lazio beat Juventus again to win Italian Supercup". ESPN FC. 22 December 2019. Archived from the original on 26 December 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  27. ↑ "Bayern 2–1 Lazio". UEFA. 17 March 2021. Archived from the original on 3 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  28. ↑ "Nota della Società" (in Italian). S.S. Lazio. 27 May 2021. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  29. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi is Inter's new head coach". Inter Milan. 3 June 2021. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  30. ↑ "Inter-Juventus 2-1, gol e highlights: ai nerazzurri la Supercoppa, decide Sanchez al 121'" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  31. ↑ "L'Inter vince la Coppa Italia: 4-2 contro la Juve ai supplementari" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  32. ↑ "CLASSIFICA SERIE A 2021/2022" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  33. ↑ "L'Inter è stata eliminata dalla Champions League" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  34. ↑ "Inter 1-0 AC Milan (3-0 on aggregate) - Lautaro Martinez adds final flourish as Inter reach Champions League final". Eurosport. 16 May 2023.
  35. ↑ "Manchester City 1–0 Inter Milan". BBC Sport. 10 June 2023.
  36. ↑ "Inter coach Inzaghi extends contract until 2025". Reuters. 5 September 2023.
  37. ↑ "Passion, loyalty, familiar tactics - what can Inter expect from Inzaghi?". Reuters. 3 June 2021. Archived from the original on 4 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  38. ↑ Desmond, Rhys (29 April 2020). "Simone Inzaghi – Lazio – Tactical Analysis". The MastermindSite. Archived from the original on 4 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  39. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi at Lazio 2019/20 - tactical analysis". Total Football Analysis Magazine. Archived from the original on 4 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  40. ↑ Porzio, Francesco (19 January 2022). "How Simone Inzaghi's 'freedom' helped turned Inter Milan into Serie A's team to beat". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  41. ↑ Delaney, Miguel (10 June 2023). "Inter and the impossible task of the Champions League final". The Independent. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  42. ↑ "Man City vs Inter Milan: What should Pep Guardiola be wary of?". BBC Sport. 9 June 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  43. ↑ Ferrazzi, Enrico (11 March 2013). "Simone Inzaghi: "Mio fratello Filippo ha tutto per diventare un grande allenatore"" [Simone Inzaghi: "My brother Filippo has everything to become a great coach"] (in Italian). Milan News. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  44. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi come il fratello: "Sogno di allenare la Lazio"" [Simone Inzaghi like his brother: "I dream of coaching Lazio"] (in Italian). Goal. 19 May 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  45. ↑ "Alessia Marcuzzi con Francesco Facchinetti, Simone Inzaghi, Mia e Tommaso: Natale in famiglia… allargatissima!" [Alessia Marcuzzi with Francesco Facchinetti, Simone Inzaghi, Mia and Tommaso: Christmas in family… a very extended one!] (in Italian). Oggi. 24 December 2013. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  46. ↑ "Alessia di nuovo nel pallone" (in Italian). libero.it. 26 February 2004. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  47. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi papà! Gaia Lucariello gli ha donato Lorenzo". 17 April 2013. Archived from the original on 30 December 2019. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  48. ↑ "Terzo figlio in casa Inzaghi: è nato il piccolo Andrea" (in Italian). 10 August 2020. Archived from the original on 10 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  49. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi si è sposato: fra gli ospiti, felice, anche l'ex Alessia Marcuzzi" (in Italian). vanityfair.it. 3 June 2018. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  50. 1 2 3 4 "S. Inzaghi". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 24 January 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  51. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi". Footballdatabase. Archived from the original on 31 May 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  52. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi". European Football. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  53. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi career sheet". footballdatabase. Archived from the original on 23 August 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  54. ↑ Lorenzo Mangini, Scudetto e nazionale: fu il 2000 l'anno d'oro, in la Repubblica, 11 gennaio 2005, p. 10.
  55. ↑ "Lazio beat Juventus 1-3 to win Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia". BBC Sport. 22 December 2019. Archived from the original on 17 September 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  56. ↑ Mackenzie, Alasdair (24 May 2023). "Fiorentina 1-2 Inter Milan - Lautaro Martinez scores double as the Nerazzurri defend Coppa Italia". Eurosport. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  57. ↑ "AC Milan 0-3 Inter Milan: Simone Inzaghi's side ease to Supercoppa win over rivals to defend title". Eurosport. 18 January 2023. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  58. ↑ McNulty, Phil (10 June 2023). "Man City beat Inter Milan 1–0 in Champions League final to claim Treble". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 11 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  59. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi Coach of the Month for December". Serie A. 5 January 2022. Archived from the original on 21 April 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  60. ↑ "Simone Inzaghi Coach of the Month for October". Serie A. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
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