Marco Materazzi: The Unyielding Warrior of the Pitch
An in-depth exploration of the career, style, and achievements of the iconic Italian defender, from his early days to his World Cup triumph.
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Personal Profile
Birth and Origins
Marco Materazzi was born in Lecce, Italy, on 19 August 1973. His father, Giuseppe Materazzi, was also a professional footballer and later a coach. His mother passed away when he was 15 years old.
Family and Personal Life
Materazzi married Daniela in 1997, and they have three children: Anna, Davide, and Gianmarco. His sister Monia was married to Maurizio Maestrelli, son of the famed coach Tommaso Maestrelli.
Autobiography
In September 2007, Materazzi released his autobiography titled "Una vita da guerriero" (The Life of a Warrior), co-authored with journalists Andrea Elefante and Roberto De Ponti.
Early Career
Lower Divisions and Everton
Materazzi began his career in the lower Italian divisions, playing for teams like Messina, Marsala, and Trapani. He had a stint with Perugia before moving to England to play for Everton in the Premier League during the 1998-99 season. His time at Everton was marked by disciplinary issues, receiving three red cards in 27 appearances.
Return to Italy and Perugia
Returning to Italy, Materazzi rejoined Perugia. In the 2000-01 season, he scored seven goals from penalties, setting a Serie A record for goals by a defender in a single season.
Inter Milan Dominance
Joining the Nerazzurri
In July 2001, Materazzi transferred to Inter Milan for €10 million. He quickly became a key player, known for his defensive prowess and goal-scoring threat from set pieces.
Trophy Haul
During his decade at Inter (2001-2011), Materazzi won numerous titles, including five consecutive Serie A league titles (2006-2010), one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, four Coppa Italia titles, and four Supercoppa Italiana titles. He was a vital part of the team that achieved the historic treble in the 2009-10 season.
Controversies and Character
Materazzi was often a controversial figure due to his aggressive playing style and occasional on-field altercations. He was known for his fiery temperament and physical approach, earning him the nickname "Matrix." Despite this, he was highly regarded by managers like Roberto Mancini and José Mourinho.
International Career
Debut and Euro 2004
Materazzi made his debut for the Italian national team in 2001. He represented Italy in Euro 2004, where he started in the crucial group stage match against Bulgaria.
2006 World Cup Triumph
His most memorable international moment came during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. After replacing the injured Alessandro Nesta, Materazzi scored Italy's equalizer in the final against France. He also famously received a headbutt from Zinedine Zidane in extra time, leading to Zidane's red card, before Italy secured the World Cup title in a penalty shootout, with Materazzi converting his penalty.
International Statistics
Materazzi earned 41 caps for Italy between 2001 and 2008, scoring 2 goals. He participated in two World Cups and two European Championships.
Style of Play
Aggressive Defender
Materazzi was renowned as an aggressive, physical, and hard-tackling centre-back. He excelled in tight marking and was a significant aerial threat, often scoring crucial goals from set pieces. His powerful shot from distance also made him a threat on free kicks and penalties.
The "Matrix" Persona
His combative nature and strong presence on the field earned him the nickname "Matrix." While his style sometimes led to numerous cards, it also made him a formidable opponent and a respected figure by coaches and teammates alike.
Career Statistics
Club Appearances and Goals
Materazzi had a lengthy career spanning multiple clubs, most notably Inter Milan. Below is a summary of his senior club statistics.
International Appearances and Goals
Materazzi represented Italy with distinction, contributing significantly to their 2006 World Cup victory.
Honours and Accolades
Player Honours
Materazzi amassed a significant collection of trophies throughout his career, particularly with Inter Milan.
Individual Accolades
His performances were recognized with several individual awards during his career.
Managerial Career
Chennaiyin FC
Following his retirement as a player, Materazzi transitioned into management. He was appointed player-manager of Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League in 2014, leading them to the championship in the 2015 season.
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References
References
- Two appearances in FA Cup, four appearances and one goal in EFL Cup
- All appearance(s) in UEFA Intertoto Cup
- All appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
- Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional sports advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional sports analysis or consultation. Always refer to official sports statistics and consult with qualified professionals for specific insights.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.