Gianpiero Marini

Gianpiero Marini (; born 25 February 1951) is an Italian former professional 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 Inter Milan, 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 Inter Milan, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1994, as well as Como, Cremonese, and the Italy B side.

Club career Marini was born in Lodi. Nicknamed Malik by fans, he 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 Inter Milan. 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. He made five appearances throughout the tournament. Beyond his playing ability, he stood out throughout his career for his longevity, as well as his leadership and good sense of humour, which led him to make a name for himself as a key dressing room personality with his clubs.

Managerial career As coach, Marini also managed Inter Milan during the second half of the 1993–94 season, after replacing Osvaldo Bagnoli, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1994, despite narrowly avoiding relegation to Serie B in the league; Inter only won the relegation battle on the last match-day of the league season. He later also coached Como on two occasions (1997; 1999–2000), as well as Cremonese (1997–99), and the Italy B side in 2001.

Outside of football Following his coaching career, Marini pursued a career as a financial broker. He also enjoys playing the guitar and singing.

Honours Player Inter Serie A: 1979–80 Coppa Italia: 1977–78, 1981–82

Italy FIFA World Cup: 1982

Coach Inter UEFA Cup: 1993–94