Davide Ballardini

A former midfielder, Ballardini spent seven years as a player with Cesena under youth team coach Arrigo Sacchi and first-team coach Osvaldo Bagnoli, which he cited as his mentors.

Ballardini started his coaching career serving as youth team coach for Bologna, and successively Cesena and A.C. Milan. He then worked as Parma under-19 youth team coach from 2002 to 2004. He was then appointed by Sambenedettese as new head coach for the 2004–05 season, ended with an impressive fourth place and the consequent participation in the promotion playoffs, then lost to Napoli in the semi-final. He was subsequently chosen by Massimo Cellino as the new Cagliari boss for their 2005–06 Serie A campaign; however, he was sacked only a few weeks later, on 11 November, and replaced by Nedo Sonetti. Ballardini started the 2006–07 season at the helm of Serie B side Pescara, where he lasted only until October, following a very unimpressive beginning in the league. He was surprisingly announced as the new boss of last-placed Serie A team Cagliari on 27 December 2007, succeeding Sonetti, who ironically replaced him during his first period at the helm of the Sardinian side. Under his tenure as head coach, Cagliari dramatically improved their results, winning 32 points in 21 weeks, thus rising up the table and managing to escape relegation in advance of a week. However, Ballardini failed to find an agreement with Cagliari chairman Massimo Cellino for a contract extension, and they ultimately decided to part company on 28 May. On 4 September 2008, Palermo announced they had dismissed head coach Stefano Colantuono, appointing Ballardini as the new Rosanero boss in a one-year…

Ballardini was born in Ravenna. He has three sons with his Swedish wife, all of them being footballers: Leo Natale (born 1990) played in the role of striker for Igea Virtus and Elia (born 1991, striker) for Virtus Entella, whereas Erik (born 1995, midfielder) is currently part of Cesena's youth ranks.

As manager

Lazio Supercoppa Italiana: 2009