Mar 2 • 05:21 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy Il Giornale

Farewell Marchesi, the gentleman of the bench who first trained Maradona

Rino Marchesi, the revered Italian football coach who had the honor of training Maradona at the start of his career, has passed away at the age of 88.

Rino Marchesi, a respected figure in Italian football, has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy marked by humility and kindness. Often described as a gentle man who treated everyone with respect, Marchesi's career was defined by loyalty rather than fame, allowing him to maintain a sense of normalcy in a profession usually dominated by spectacle. His accomplishments include being the first coach to train the legendary Diego Maradona in Italy, marking a significant moment in football history.

Michel Platini, who played under Marchesi at Juventus, expressed his heartfelt sadness at the loss, highlighting the qualities that made Marchesi an endearing coach both on and off the field. Known for his calm demeanor, Marchesi preferred quiet encouragement over loud commands, often seen musing thoughtfully with a cigar in hand, demonstrating a listening ear for new ideas and teachings. His coaching philosophy focused on nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment for players.

Marchesi's approach to coaching was a reminder of a bygone era in football, where the emphasis was more on personal values and relationships than on the flashy demands of modern football. His struggles before matches, including using tranquilizers to cope with the pressure, revealed the human side of coaching that is often overshadowed in the glamorous world of football. His passing marks the end of an era for those who knew him and for football as a whole, reminding the community of the importance of integrity and respect in sports.

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