Giuseppe Papadopulo

Papadopulo was born in Casale Marittimo, Pisa to Italian parents. His paternal family is of Greek descent. His surname is derived from the most common Greek surname, Papadopoulos (Greek: Παπαδόπουλος, IPA: [papaˈðopulos]; meaning "son of a priest"). Papadopulo began his playing career at Livorno. Then later moved to Lazio, which he helped win the Cup of the Alps in 1971. He later played for Brindisi, Arezzo, Salernitana and Bari.

Papadopulo started his coaching career in 1984 at Cecina, a minor amateur team of Tuscany. Then, after two years as assistant coach for Casertana, he debuted at the professional level in 1987 for Sorrento. In 1989, he coached of Licata, a small Sicilian Serie B team at the time. After two other coaching experiences for Monopoli and Perugia, Papadopulo in 1993 drove Acireale to a surprising promotion to Serie B. He then coached Avellino, Livorno, and led Fidelis Andria to another Serie B promotion. But, after two other short times with Lucchese and Crotone, Papadopulo finally had his luckiest success for Siena (2001–2004), leading the team from the relegation zone in Serie B to its first Serie A promotion ever, and even avoiding relegation from the top division the following year. Papadopulo was nicknamed il Papa (The Pope) by Siena fans during his period with the team. During the 2004–2005 season, Papadopulo was appointed as new coach of Lazio, replacing Domenico Caso; however, he left his managing position at the end of the season. On 29 January 2006, Papadopulo has been called back to Sicily in order to replace Luigi Delneri at the helm of Palermo, and debuted with a surprising 3–0 win against AC Milan for a match of Italian Cup. After a series of impressive results, which led Palermo off the lower places in the standings, and despite a one-year renewal signed before the end of the season, Papadopulo was dismissed from the rosanero, in order to be replaced by Francesco…

Player

Lazio

Cup of the Alps: 1971

Manager

Siena

Serie B: 2002–03