Dino Zoff Rank
About Dino Zoff
Dino Zoff is a legendary goalkeeper from Italy notably remembered for leading the Italian national team to gold at the 1982 World Cup tournament.
Early Life
Born in Mariano del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, he came from a supportive and modest family. The Zoff family was farming-oriented and wanted the best for Dino as he pursued a career in football.
As a backup, he studied to become a mechanic while focused on becoming a professional football player.
Personal Life and Early Career
Zoff tied the knot with Annamaria Passerini. The couple has one son together, Marco Zoff, who was born in 1967.
At the 1963 Mediterranean Games, which were staged in Naples, Italy, he was part of Italy’s under 23 team that took home gold.
Achievements
Zoff, the captain of the Italian national team, achieved incredible improvements in his career as a goalkeeper.
Euro 68
His first cap for the senior national team came in a 2-0 victory against Bulgaria at the 1968 European Championship in Italy. Zoff helped the Italians to secure the ultimate prize at the tournament. At that tournament, he was crowned best goalkeeper.
FIFA World Cup Tournament in 1982
In addition to captaining his national team to glory at the FIFA 1982 staged in Spain, he also won the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Having kept two clean-sheets, he was selected in the team of the tournament by FIFA.
After signing for the Serie A side Udinese in 1961, he played his first club game against Fiorentina in September 1961. He would go on to make 37 more appearances for Udinese in the two years that he spent at the club.
Club Career and Silverware Won
From Udinese, he signed for Mantova, an Italian club based in Mantua, Lombardy in 1963. His four-season stay in Mantua saw him secure 131 appearances.
In 1967, he signed for Napoli and would go on to make 143 appearances in five seasons. On the back of winning the 1968 European Championship and other stellar club performances, his signed by Juventus in 1972. At Juventus, he grew in success as a professional goalkeeper.
He spent about eleven years playing for Juventus, where with his help won the Serie A title six times. He also played an essential role in most of Juventus' success in the 1970s, helping them win the Coppa Italia twice and the UEFA Cup once. He also helped Juventus reach two European Champions’ Cup finals – in 1973 and 1983.
Retirement and Managerial Career
Zoff retired from football in 1983 and began his coaching career. He joined the technical staff at Juventus, mostly serving as the goalkeeping coach. In 1988, he was appointed the manager of Juventus, where he remained until he was sacked in 1990. As manager of Juventus, he won the UEFA Cup and the Coppa Italia in the 1989-90 season.
His second stint as the head coach of Lazio, from 1996 to 1997, saw him lead the club to the UEFA Cup final only to be defeated by Inter Milan.
In 1998, the Italian Football Federation appointed him as the head coach of the national team. During his tenure, he helped nurture young talents like Francesco Totti, Marco Delvecchio, and Massimo Ambrosini. With those crop of players, mixed with other veteran players, Zoff was able to guide the Italian national team to finish second on the podium at the 2000 UEFA European Championship hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
After coaching Italy, he had managerial stints at Lazio (in 2001) and Fiorentina (in 2005).
Did you know?
Having won the World Cup in 1982 at the age of 40, Zino Zoff became the oldest footballer to lift the coveted trophy.
Due to his height, Italian clubs Juventus and Inter Milan refused to sign him after having trials with them.
As of the 2022, he is the only Italian player to have won the World Cup and the European Championship
Zoff finished at number 3 on the list of greatest goalkeepers of the 20th century ranked by IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics). He finished behind Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin and English shotstopper Gordon Banks.
Between 1972 and 1974, he famously went 1,142 minutes without conceding any goal for his national team.
He was capped 112 times for the Italian national team, making him one of the most capped players in the nation’s history.
In 2004, Brazilian football legend Pele placed Zoff on the list of 100 greatest living footballers.
He finished second in the 1973 Ballon d’Or, coming behind Dutch sensation Johan Cruyff.
In 199, the Italian goalkeeper was placed 47th on World Soccer Magazine’s list of 100 Greatest Players of the 20th Century.
In 2014, he published an autobiography titled “Dura solo un attimo, la Gloria”, which translates to “Glory only Lasts a Moment”.
Dino Zoff Rank
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F.A.Q. about Dino Zoff
When is his birthday?
Dino Zoff's birthday is on February 28, 1942.
In how many days is his birthday?
Dino's birthday is in 353 days
How old is he?
He is 83 years old.
Where is Dino from?
He was born in Mariano del Friuli, Italy.
What is Dino Zoff's height?
He is 5′ 12″ (1.82m) tall.