Fernando De Napoli

Fernando de Napoli (born 15 March 1964, in Chiusano di San Domenico, Italy) is an Italian former professional footballer, who played either as a central midfielder or as a winger during the 1980s and 1990s. During his club career, he won the scudetto four times, twice with Napoli, and twice with Milan. At international level, he represented Italy at two FIFA World Cups (1986 and 1990), and at UEFA Euro 1988.

De Napoli began his football career with Rimini Calcio in Serie C, under manager Arrigo Sacchi. He spent a year with the club before moving to Serie A club Avellino in the summer of 1983, he stayed with "Lupi" for three years, before moving onto Campania neighbours; S.S.C. Napoli in 1986.

This would prove to be the most successful time in the history of S.S.C. Napoli; De Napoli often played alongside Salvatore Bagni, serving as a defensive foil to the club's star playmaker Diego Maradona. During his six-year spell with the team, De Napoli won the scudetto in 1987 and 1990, the Coppa Italia in 1987, the UEFA Cup in 1989, and the Supercoppa Italiana in 1990.

He transferred to A.C. Milan in 1992. Carrying on the success he had with Napoli, winning the scudetto in both of his seasons at the Milanese club (1992–93 and 1993–94), as well as another Supercoppa Italiana winners medal in 1993; in addition to these domestic titles, he won an UEFA Champions League and an UEFA Super Cup in 1994 during his time with the club.

In July 1994, De Napoli moved to what would prove to be his final football club; Reggiana. He stayed with the club, who at the time were playing in Serie A until 1997 when he retired from football. He then joined Reggiana's managing staff, working as a team manager for the club until 2005.

De Napoli was first called up for the Italian national side on 11 May 1986 for a game against China. The match was played in his club's hometown of Napoli and the Italians won 2–0. In total he won 54 caps (with a record of 31 wins, 16 draws and only 7 losses) with Italy between 1986–92, scoring one goal, which came against Argentina in 1987.

For his country, De Napoli took part in the 1986 World Cup, Euro 88 and the 1990 World Cup (the latter two of which, Italy, with De Napoli, reached the semi-finals of the competitions, managing a third-place finish in the 1990 World Cup on home soil).

A versatile and well-rounded midfielder, De Napoli was usually deployed as either a central or defensive midfielder, where he was capable of both supporting his more creative teammates defensively, and of functioning as a deep-lying playmaker after winning back possession, courtesy of his range of passing, and ability to build plays and create chances from midfield with long balls; he was also deployed on the wing on occasion. A quick, hard-working, and tenacious player, with good technique, he was known in particular for his notable stamina, as well as his excellent man-marking ability, which endowed him with the ability to break down the opposition's play, and subsequently transition the ball from defence to attack; he also possessed a powerful and accurate shot from distance, and was known for his ability to make attacking runs and charge forward with the ball from deeper areas of the pitch. His tenacious playing style earned him the nickname "Rambo" from the Napoli fans throughout his career. In addition to his playing ability, he was also known for his correct behaviour on the pitch, and for his ability to lead his teammates by example.

Club

• Serie A - Winner: 1986–87 and 1989–90.
  • Runner-up: 1987–88
• Coppa Italia - Winner: 1986–87
• Supercoppa Italiana - Winner: 1990
• UEFA Cup - Winner: 1988–89

• Serie A - Winner: 1992–93 and 1993–94
• Supercoppa Italiana - Winner: 1993
• UEFA Champions League - Winner: 1993–94
• UEFA Super Cup - Winner: 1994

Orders