Fabrizio Ravanelli Explained

Fabrizio Ravanelli
Birth Date:1968 12, df=yes
Birth Place:Perugia, Italy
Height:1.88 m
Position:Striker
Years1:1986–1989
Clubs1:Perugia
Caps1:90
Goals1:41
Years2:1989
Caps2:7
Goals2:0
Years3:1989–1990
Caps3:27
Goals3:12
Years4:1990–1992
Caps4:66
Goals4:24
Years5:1992–1996
Clubs5:Juventus
Caps5:111
Goals5:41
Years6:1996–1997
Caps6:35
Goals6:17
Years7:1997–1999
Caps7:64
Goals7:28
Years8:1999–2001
Clubs8:Lazio
Caps8:27
Goals8:4
Years9:2001–2003
Caps9:50
Goals9:14
Years10:2003–2004
Clubs10:Dundee
Caps10:5
Goals10:0
Years11:2004–2005
Clubs11:Perugia
Caps11:39
Goals11:9
Totalcaps:521
Totalgoals:190
Nationalyears1:1995–1999
Nationalcaps1:22
Nationalgoals1:8
Manageryears1:2011–2013
Managerclubs1:Juventus (youth)
Manageryears2:2013
Managerclubs2:Ajaccio
Manageryears3:2018
Managerclubs3:Arsenal Kyiv

Fabrizio Ravanelli (pronounced as /it/;[1] [2] born 11 December 1968) is an Italian football manager and former international player.

A former striker, Ravanelli started and ended his playing career at hometown club Perugia, and also played for Middlesbrough, Juventus and Marseille. He won trophies with Juventus including a Serie A championship in 1995 and a Champions League in 1996 where he scored in the final. In all, during his career he played with twelve clubs from four countries; his native Italy, England, France and Scotland. Nicknamed 'The White Feather', he earned 22 caps for the Italy national team, scoring 8 goals, and was a member of the Italian squad that took part at UEFA Euro 1996.[3]

Club career

Early career in Italy

Ravanelli began his club career with his hometown club Perugia in 1986, where he remained until 1989. He had a spell with Avellino later that year, and subsequently played with Casertana for a season. In 1990, he moved to Reggiana, where he remained for two seasons.[3]

Juventus

After joining Juventus in 1992, he formed a formidable offensive line alongside players such as Roberto Baggio, Gianluca Vialli, Paolo Di Canio, Pierluigi Casiraghi, Andreas Möller and Alessandro Del Piero.[3] Affectionately known as the "White Feather" (in Italian: Penna Bianca) in recognition of his prematurely white hair (a nickname which had also previously belonged to former Juventus legend Roberto Bettega),[4] [5] [6] he was one of Europe's top goalscorers in the mid-1990s. After initially struggling to obtain a starting spot under Giovanni Trapattoni, due to competition from several other strikers, he eventually managed to break into the starting line-up. During the 1994–95 season, under Marcello Lippi, he played a key role as the club claimed a domestic double, playing in an attacking trident, alongside Vialli, and either Baggio or Del Piero. With the Turin club, Ravanelli won one Serie A title (1994–95), one Coppa Italia (1994–95), one Supercoppa Italiana (1995), one Champions League (1995–96), where he scored in the final against Ajax, and one UEFA Cup (1992–93).[3] On 27 September 1994, he memorably scored all five goals for Juventus against CSKA Sofia in a 5–1 win.[7] In the 1996 UEFA Champions League Final, he put Juventus 1–0 up at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.[8] Ajax subsequently equalised, but Juventus still won the game through a penalty shootout.[3] [8]

Middlesbrough

Ravanelli made an immediate positive impact on moving to the Premier League with Bryan Robson's Middlesbrough on a £7 million transfer in 1996,[9] where his success was sustained. He scored a hat-trick on his league debut against Liverpool on the opening day of the 1996–97 season.[10] Despite being one of the league's top scorers, Middlesbrough were relegated in the year that he joined.[11] He did, however, help them to the final of both domestic cup competitions that season. He started both finals, as Middlesbrough lost 2–0 against Chelsea in the FA Cup Final,[12] and Leicester City 1–0 in the replay of the League Cup Final. Against Leicester, he scored the first goal in the final of the first meeting,[13] only for Emile Heskey to equalise and send the game to a replay, which Leicester subsequently won.[13] He alienated himself from teammates and fans, with his constant complaints and criticisms of the club's training regime and facilities, as well as the town itself, despite being the highest paid footballer in the Premiership at the time.[14] Whilst at the club, he resided in the local small North Yorkshire village of Hutton Rudby,[15] where Middlesbrough football associates, such as Paul Merson, Gordon McQueen and several other notable individuals have had residences.

Marseille

After Middlesbrough's relegation, Ravanelli moved to Marseille. In the 1998–99 season, Marseille finished in second place in the French Division 1, one point behind Bordeaux. The following season l'OM competed in the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League, with Ravanelli scoring once against Sturm Graz at the Stade Vélodrome.

Lazio

In January 2000, Ravanelli returned to Italy to sign for Lazio. Ravanelli won his second Scudetto as Lazio ended the 1999–2000 season as champions, also winning the Coppa Italia, and the Supercoppa Italiana.

Derby County

In July 2001, Ravanelli joined Derby County on a free transfer,[16] signing a two-year deal,[17] but could not save the club from relegation in 2002.[18] Due to Derby's financial problems, they had to defer his wage payments which they paid for several years.[16]

Dundee

He then joined Dundee,[19] following the end of his Derby contract, but was sacked after the club released all of their top earners.[20] The only game in which Ravanelli scored for Dundee was against Clyde in a League Cup match, when he scored a hat-trick.[21]

Perugia

After the experience in Scotland, he returned to Italy to finish his career with his hometown club Perugia, with whom he had also started his professional career,[22] with the aim of trying to save the club from relegation.

International career

Ravanelli earned 22 caps for the Italy national team between 1995 and 1999, under managers Arrigo Sacchi, Cesare Maldini, and Dino Zoff, scoring eight goals.[23] He made his international debut under Sacchi on 25 March 1995, in a 4–1 home victory over Estonia, in an UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying fixture in Salerno, also scoring his first international goal during the match.[24] [23] [25] He was a member of the Italian squad that took part at UEFA Euro 1996,[26] and made two appearances throughout the tournament, which came in Italy's opening two group matches, a 2–1 win over Russia,[27] and a 2–1 loss against the Czech Republic,[28] as Italy were eliminated in the first round.[29] He missed out on a spot at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, however, as striker Enrico Chiesa was selected by Maldini in his place.[30]

Player profile

Style of play

Ravanelli was a quick, dynamic, physically strong, and hardworking left-footed striker, with notable temperament, who was known for his eye for goal, as well as his energy and defensive contribution off the ball, which often saw him drop back into deeper positions in order to help his team win back possession. Although he was initially not the most naturally talented or skilful player, he was able to improve his technique and movement significantly during his time with Juventus, where he established himself as a top striker.

A prolific goalscorer, who was good in the air, and who possessed a powerful and accurate shot, in addition to his ability to score goals, Ravanelli was also capable of playing off his teammates, due to his link-up play, which, combined with his other skills, made him a complete forward. This also enabled him to play in a supporting role, as a second striker or even as a winger, positions in which he often utilised his ability in the air to get on the end of high balls and create chances for other strikers by providing them with headed assists from knockdowns.[3] [24] [31] [32]

Goal celebrations

Ravanelli's signature goal celebration involved him pulling his shirt over his head and running around the field.[33] He was therefore a strong opposer of the new FIFA regulation, which impeded players from removing their shirts during post goal-celebrations, and which punished any violators with a yellow card.[34]

Managerial career

Juventus

Ravanelli started his coaching career with the Juventus youth team. He joined the club's coaching staff in July 2011 and remained there until 2013.[35] [36]

Ajaccio

On 8 June 2013, Ravanelli signed a two-year contract as the new head coach of Ligue 1 club Ajaccio.

On 2 November 2013, he was sacked from his post after his club had suffered its fifth consecutive Ligue 1 defeat (this time losing 3–1 at home against Valenciennes) on the same day that left them in 19th (second from bottom) position (one win, four draws and seven defeats in 12 Ligue 1 matches) in the Ligue 1 standings. "It is not an easy decision (to sack Ravanelli) for a number of reasons. I really appreciated Fabrizio Ravanelli, I really wanted it to work. I do not remember seeing a staff work that much, from morning till night without stopping. You know what football is like. If things are not going well, the only solution is to change the staff," said Alain Orsoni, the president of Ajaccio.[37] [38]

Arsenal Kyiv

On 22 June 2018, Ravanelli signed contract with Ukrainian Premier League club Arsenal Kyiv.[39] On 22 September 2018, Ravanelli resigned after the string of unsuccessful results.[40]

Media career

Following his retirement, Ravanelli also worked as a football pundit for Sky Italia, Fox Sports and Mediaset.[41]

Personal life

It has been mistakenly reported in some sources that Luca Ravanelli, a defender, is Fabrizio's son. According to Luca, he is not.[42]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Perugia1986–87Serie C2265265
1987–88Serie C232233223
1988–89Serie B32133213
Total90410000009041
Avellino1989–90Serie B7070
Casertana1989–90Serie C127122712
Reggiana1990–91Serie B34163416
1991–92Serie B328328
Total66240000006624
Juventus1992–93Serie A2253183339
1993–94Serie A30920633812
1994–95Serie A331596001195330
1995–96Serie A261221753618
Total111411680032200015969
Middlesbrough1996–97Premier League331676894831
1997–98First Division21000021
Total3517768900005032
Marseille1997–98Ligue 12191030259
1998–99Ligue 129131110713815
1999–2000Ligue 1146000041187
Total64282140112008131
Lazio1999–00Serie A162520000214
2000–01Serie A112420062216
Total274940062004210
Derby County2001–02Premier League31911213411
2002–03First Division1950000195
Total5014112100005316
Dundee2003–04Scottish Premier League50001363
Perugia2003–04Serie A1562010186
2004–05Serie B243000030273
Total39920001030429
Career total52119037201513502430626247

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Italy199564
199684
199750
199830
199900
Total228

Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ravanelli goal.

List of international goals scored by Fabrizio Ravanelli[43]
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1 25 March 1995 Stadio Arechi, Salerno, Italy 4–1 4–1 Euro 1996 qualifier
2 6 September 1995 Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy 1–0 1–0 Euro 1996 qualifier
3 11 November 1995 Stadio San Nicola, Bari, Italy 1–1 3–1 Euro 1996 qualifier
4 2–1
5 24 January 1996 Stadio Libero Liberati, Terni, Italy 2–0 3–0 Friendly
6 5 October 1996 Stadionul Republican, Chişinău, Moldova 1–0 3–1 1998 World Cup qualifier
7 3–1
8 9 October 1996 Stadio Renato Curi, Perugia, Italy 1–0 1–0 1998 World Cup qualifier

Manager

TeamFromToRecord
Ajaccio8 June 20132 November 2013
Arsenal Kyiv22 June 201822 September 2018
Total

Honours

Juventus[3]

1994–95

1994–95

1995

1995–96

1992–93; runner-up: 1994–95[44]

Middlesbrough

Lazio[24] [46]

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Fabrizio. DiPI Online. Luciano Canepari. 23 October 2018. it.
  2. Web site: Ravanelli. DiPI Online. Luciano Canepari. 23 October 2018. it.
  3. Web site: Gli eroi in bianconero: Fabrizio RAVANELLI. Tutto Juve. it. Stefano Bedeschi. 11 December 2013. 3 December 2014.
  4. News: Will the White Feather deliver? . BBC Sport . . 18 July 2001 . 5 March 2012.
  5. News: White Feather is no grey man . Christopher . Davies . The Daily Telegraph . 14 January 2002 . 5 March 2012.
  6. Web site: vizi e virtù DI Bobby gol. La Repubblica. it. Emanuele Gamba. 27 December 2009. 23 August 2016.
  7. News: 27 September 1994, Ravanelli hits five . https://archive.today/20120906110305/http://www.juventus.com/wps/portal/en/news/27sept2011_AccaddeOggi/ . dead . 6 September 2012 . Juventus F.C. official website . 27 September 2011 . 5 March 2012 .
  8. News: 1995/96: Juve hold their nerve . UEFA.com . Union of European Football Associations . 5 March 2012.
  9. News: Middlesbrough spend pounds 7m on Ravanelli . Nick . Duxbury . The Independent . Independent Print Limited . 5 July 1996 . 5 March 2012.
  10. News: Silver hair, silverware? . Simon . Turnbull . The Independent . Independent Print Limited . 19 August 1996 . 5 March 2012.
  11. News: Big-spending Boro undone by no-show . John . Brewin . ESPN Soccernet . ESPN . 24 April 2009 . 5 March 2012 . 6 November 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121106102621/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=640113&sec=england&root=england&cc=5739 . dead .
  12. News: The Chelsea Power Show . Ian . Ridley . The Independent . Independent Print Limited . 18 May 1997 . 5 March 2012.
  13. News: Football: Heskey levels at the last to deflate Juninho . Glenn . Moore . The Independent . Independent Print Limited . 7 April 1997 . 5 March 2012.
  14. News: Ravanelli outbursts adds to Boro woes . 4thegame.com . 24 December 1996 . 30 October 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071014172705/http://www.4thegame.com/club/middlesbrough-fc/news/18020/index.html . 14 October 2007.
  15. News: Football: FA Cup Final: Azzurri return to the twin towers . Glenn . Moore . The Independent . Independent Print Limited . 17 May 1997 . 5 March 2012.
  16. News: Derby axe Ravanelli . BBC Sport . British Broadcasting Corporation . 9 May 2002 . 5 March 2012.
  17. News: Ravanelli completes Rams switch . BBC Sport . British Broadcasting Corporation . 27 July 2001 . 5 March 2012.
  18. News: Liverpool relegate Derby . BBC Sport . British Broadcasting Corporation . 20 April 2002 . 5 March 2012.
  19. News: Ravanelli joins Dundee . BBC Sport . British Broadcasting Corporation . 20 September 2003 . 5 March 2012.
  20. News: No way back for Ravanelli . BBC Sport . British Broadcasting Corporation . 26 November 2003 . 5 March 2012.
  21. News: Ravanelli thumps Clyde . BBC Sport . British Broadcasting Corporation . 29 October 2003 . 6 November 2009.
  22. News: Ravanelli joins Perugia . BBC Sport . British Broadcasting Corporation . 14 January 2004 . 5 March 2012.
  23. Web site: Nazionale in cifre: Ravanelli, Fabrizio. www.figc.it. FIGC. it. 22 April 2015.
  24. Web site: Ravanelli, Fabrizio. Treccani: Enciclopedia dello Sport. it. Fabrizio Maffei. 20 January 2017.
  25. Web site: Italia-Estonia 4-1. Italia1910.com. it. 20 January 2017.
  26. Web site: Chiesa could steal show in Euro 96. The Irish Times. 21 May 1996. 7 November 2015.
  27. Web site: Italia-Russia 2-1. Italia1910.com. it. 20 January 2017.
  28. Web site: Repubblica Ceca-Italia 2-1. Italia1910.com. 20 January 2017. it.
  29. Web site: Italia-Germania in 10 partite. Azzurri mai piegati ai Mondiali e agli Europei. Il Sole 24 Ore. it. Dario Pelizzari. 20 January 2017.
  30. Web site: Ravanelli a casa, Chiesa acciuffa l'ultimo tram. Ravanelli sent home, Chiesa catches the last tram. Il Corriere della Sera. it. 11 June 1998. 23 December 2014.
  31. News: Vialli Rambo, Tarzan Pagliuca: ecco la nazionale della Forza. Il Corriere della Sera. it. Giorgio Rondelli. 36. 5 June 1995.
  32. Web site: Zola? Spiacente, ma dovevo scegliere. La Stampa. 31. it. 25 May 1998. 23 November 2017.
  33. Web site: Football fan recreates goal celebrations with Subbuteo players. The Telegraph. 20 February 2009. 17 May 2016.
  34. Web site: Clarification of Law 12: Yellow Card for removal of jersey. https://web.archive.org/web/20150512140833/http://www.fifa.com/development/news/y=2004/m=6/news=clarification-law-yellow-card-for-removal-jersey-92958.html. dead. 12 May 2015. FIFA.com. 22 June 2004. 17 May 2016.
  35. News: Ravanelli: "Ritorno a casa!" . juventus.com . 13 July 2011 . it . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121024114928/http://www.juventus.com/juve/it/news/ravanelli+interivsta+news+13luglio2011 . 24 October 2012.
  36. News: Ravanelli, un aiuto per la Primavera . juventus.com . 17 August 2011 . it . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121024114450/http://www.juventus.com/juve/it/news/ravanelli+vinovo+news+17agosto2011 . 24 October 2012 .
  37. Web site: Fabrizio Ravanelli's tenure as AC Ajaccio coach has ended after just 12 games following his side's 3-1 defeat to Valenciennes FC on Saturday.. official Ligue 1 website. 2 November 2013.
  38. Web site: Fabrizio Ravanelli fired as Ajaccio head coach after home defeat. BBC Sport. 2 November 2013.
  39. Web site: http://arsenal-kyiv.com/article/184. uk:На посаду головного тренера "Арсеналу" призначено Фабріціо Раванеллі. uk. FC Arsenal Kyiv. 22 June 2018. 22 June 2018.
  40. Web site: http://arsenal-kyiv.com/article/423. uk:Фабріціо Раванеллі пішов у відставку з поста головного тренера ФК "Арсенал-Київ". Fabrizio Ravanelli leaves the post of head coach of FC Arsenal Kyiv . 22 September 2018. FC Arsenal Kyiv official website. 22 September 2018. uk.
  41. Web site: L'intenso weekend di calcio in tv. La Stampa. it. Daniele Cavalla. 14 February 2015. 17 May 2016.
  42. Web site: ItaSportPress. Padova, l'appello di Luca Ravanelli: "Spero che tutti capiscano che non sono figlio di Fabrizio…". 2 September 2018. it.
  43. Web site: Fabrizio Ravanelli – Goals in International Matches . Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation . 5 March 2012.
  44. http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=1994/matches/all/index.html 1994–95 All matches UEFA Cup – season at UEFA website
  45. News: Claridge's five-star silver service . Glenn . Moore . The Independent . 16 April 1997 . 2 April 2024.
  46. Web site: Fabrizio Ravanelli. Eurosport. 16 December 2015.
  47. Web site: Italy - Coppa Italia Top Scorers . Roberto Di Maggio . Davide Rota . 4 June 2015 . 15 June 2015 . live . . https://web.archive.org/web/20151029033413/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/italcuptops.html . 29 October 2015.
  48. Web site: Italy - Serie C2 Top Scorers. Roberto Di Maggio. Igor Kramarsic. Alberto Novello. 15 May 2014. RSSSF. 16 December 2015.