Antonio Cabrini
Antonio Cabrini was born on the 8th of October 1957 in Cremona, Lombardy. He made his professional football debut with U.S. Cremonese during the 1973, 74 season. The young player appeared in three matches that year before securing a starting place for the following 1974, 75 campaign. His early career took him to Atalanta in Serie B for the 1975, 76 season. A transfer in the summer of 1976 brought him to Juventus, where he would spend most of his playing days.
Cabrini won six Serie A titles while at Juventus between 1976 and 1989. The club also secured two Coppa Italia trophies under his watch. He helped the team claim one European Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one Intercontinental European/South American Cup. In his final season with Turin, he inherited the captain's armband from Gaetano Scirea. He played 297 Serie A matches for the club and scored 33 goals there. After thirteen successful seasons, he moved to Bologna for two years before retiring as a player.
Italy called up Cabrini for the 1978 FIFA World Cup despite him being uncapped at senior level. He earned his first cap on the 2nd of June 1978 against France in a match ending 2, 1. Italy finished fourth in that tournament, earning him the Best Young Player Award. He participated as a starter in all games during three consecutive World Cups: 1978, 1982, and 1986. During the 1982 edition, he scored the crucial match-winning goal in Italy's 2, 1 second round win over Argentina. He kept two clean sheets throughout that tournament while playing alongside Dino Zoff and Gaetano Scirea.
A former left winger, Cabrini was switched to left-back by manager Ivanoe "Babo" Nolli during his time with the Cremonese youth side. His attacking prowess enabled him to revolutionize the role of the modern full-back in Italian football. He added a new attacking dimension to the position through prolific scoring from distance. Cabrini made attacking runs up the flank and proved strong in the air due to his timing and elevation. He was an effective free kick and penalty kick taker. Despite his popularity off the pitch, he remained a man of few words throughout his career. He stood out for his discipline as a footballer since he neither smoked nor drank.
Cabrini started a coaching career in 2000 with Serie C1 club Arezzo after replacing Serse Cosmi. He lost promotion on playoffs before moving to coach Serie B's Crotone with little fortune. Later stints included head coach roles at Pisa and Novara, though results were dismal. He was announced as head coach of the Syria national team in September 2007. Financial problems within the Syrian FA terminated the agreement in February 2008 before he managed the team. He planned to take the Syrian team through World Cup 2010 Qualifiers but all preparations were canceled.
Later in 2008, Cabrini briefly contested the Italian TV reality show L'Isola dei Famosi. In June 2009 he entered politics by joining Italy of Values party. He served as party responsible for sports issues in the Lazio region. On the 14th of May 2012, he was appointed coach of Italy women's national team. After five years as coach, he was replaced by Milena Bertolini on the 4th of August 2017. He received induction into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
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Common questions
When and where was Antonio Cabrini born?
Antonio Cabrini was born on the 8th of October 1957 in Cremona, Lombardy.
How many Serie A titles did Antonio Cabrini win with Juventus?
Antonio Cabrini won six Serie A titles while at Juventus between 1976 and 1989. He also secured two Coppa Italia trophies during his time with the club.
Which award did Antonio Cabrini receive after the 1978 FIFA World Cup?
Italy finished fourth in the 1978 tournament earning him the Best Young Player Award. He earned his first cap on the 2nd of June 1978 against France in a match ending 2, 1.
Who changed Antonio Cabrini from left winger to left-back?
Manager Ivanoe Babo Nolli switched Antonio Cabrini to left-back during his time with the Cremonese youth side. This change enabled him to revolutionize the role of the modern full-back in Italian football.
What happened when Antonio Cabrini coached the Syria national team?
Financial problems within the Syrian FA terminated the agreement in February 2008 before he managed the team. He planned to take the Syrian team through World Cup 2010 Qualifiers but all preparations were canceled.