Stefano Salvatori

Stefano Salvatori (29 December 1967 – 31 October 2017) was an Italian professional footballer. A tenacious, physically strong, and hard-working player, known for his energetic and tough-tackling style of play, he usually played as a central midfielder, but was also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, as a full-back or centre-back. He played for several clubs in his homeland, including Parma, Fiorentina, Milan and Atalanta, and the Scottish club Heart of Midlothian. Salvatori also represented Italy in under-21 and B international matches.

Playing career Club After starting his youth career with local side Lodigiani, Salvatori joined the Milan youth system in 1985; after struggling to find space in the first team, he was initially sent on loan to lower division teams Virescit Boccaleone and Parma in order to gain experience and playing time;

After still struggling to find space in the Milan first team, Salvatori returned to Fiorentina midway through the 1990–91 season, and remained with the club until 1992, making a total of 45 appearances in Serie A across his three seasons with the team, and scoring one goal. He then transferred to SPAL, and later joined Atalanta, helping the latter club to win promotion to Serie A in 1995, and subsequently reach the Coppa Italia final in 1996. the first time the Edinburgh-based side had won the title in 42 years; as a result, he still remains a popular figure with the club's fans.

After three seasons in Scotland, collecting a total of 84 appearances and 3 goals across all competitions, Salvatori returned to Italy in 1999, where he ended his career in the lower divisions with Alzano Virescit, AlbinoLeffe, and Legnano, retiring in 2002.

Death Salvatori died on 31 October 2017, aged 49, from cancer.

Honours Milan UEFA Super Cup winner: 1989. UEFA Champions League winner: 1989–90.

Hearts Scottish Cup winner: 1998.