Sergio Battistini

Lore & Background

Battistini was born in Massa. Throughout his career, he played for several Italian clubs, such as A.C. Milan, Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Brescia, and Spezia, usually as a sweeper. After growing up in the Milan youth squad, alongside Alberigo Evani, he joined the Milan senior side in 1980, and played for the club during a difficult period in the club's history, only winning two Serie B titles in 1981 and 1983, and a Mitropa Cup in 1982. After leaving the club in 1985, he played with Fiorentina, where he reached the 1990 UEFA Cup Final during his final season with the club.

He later won the trophy twice with Inter in 1991 and 1994, where he remained until 1994, before moving to Brescia for two seasons. On 20 January 1985, in a league match against Udinese Calcio, Battistini suffered an injury and had to be substituted at half-time. His replacement was the legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini, who made his Milan debut during the same match. Maldini remained at the club until 2009.

Following his retirement as a player after a single season with Spezia in 1997, Battistini pursued a coaching career. At international level, Battistini represented the Italy Under-21 side 14 times under Azeglio Vicini, scoring 1 goal; he made his debut in 1981, and later represented his country at the 1984 Summer Olympics, where they managed a fourth-place finish. He made four appearances for the senior Italy national football team, all in 1984, scoring once.

He made his international debut under Enzo Bearzot on 4 February 1984 in a 5–0 home win in an international friendly match against Mexico, played in Rome. He scored his only international goal in a 2–0 away win over Canada on 26 May 1984, in Toronto. His son Matteo is also a footballer.

Reader's Guide

Battistini played as a defender or midfielder, usually as a sweeper. His playing career spanned from 1980 to 1997. He won Serie B with Milan (1980–81, 1982–83), the Mitropa Cup with Milan (1981–82), and the UEFA Cup with Inter (1990–91, 1993–94). He reached the 1990 UEFA Cup Final with Fiorentina. He made his senior Italy debut in 1984 and scored once in four appearances.