Lionello Manfredonia

Club career During his club career, Manfredonia played for Italian sides Lazio (1975–85), Juventus (1985–87) and Roma (1987–89), totalling 289 appearances and 15 goals in Serie A. Along with his Lazio teammates, he was found guilty of being involved in the Totonero 1980 match-fixing scandal, and was banned for three years, while Lazio were relegated to Serie B. During his final season with Roma, on 30 December 1989, in an away match against Bologna, played at freezing temperatures (-5 degrees), Manfredonia collapsed after suffering a heart attack; his former Lazio teammate Bruno Giordano was the first to aid him. Although Manfredonia later managed a full recovery, he subsequently retired from football at the age of 33.

Style of play An athletic, tenacious, versatile, and hard-working player, with good technique, Manfredonia usually played as a defender, either as a sweeper, or as a man-marking centre-back (stopper); he was also capable of playing as a ball-winner in midfield, functioning as a central or defensive midfielder, or even on the left, on occasion.

Honours Club Juventus Serie A: 1985–86 Intercontinental Cup: 1985