Luigi Apolloni

Born in Frascati, Apolloni started his career with Lodigiani in 1983–84 in Serie C2, without ever get off the field in the first team to advance to Pistoiese within two years, where he debuted in professional football. After another year in Serie C1 to Reggiana, he joined Parma in 1987, became a key member of the squad and a mainstay in the team's defensive lineup alongside Lorenzo Minotti; the two players formed a notable central defensive partnership at the club, helping to guide the team from the Serie B to Serie A, and eventually, to the top levels of European football. Their time at the club included triumphs in the 1991–92 Coppa Italia, a Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 1993, a runners-up medal in their 1993–94 European Cup Winners' Cup campaign, and two UEFA Cups in 1995 and 1999, as well as the Supercoppa Italiana and another Coppa Italia in 1999, a runners-up medal in the 1995 Supercoppa Italiana, and third and second-place finishes in Serie A in 1995 and 1997 respectively. In 1996, a serious injury forced him out, and Apolloni did not manage to win back a place in the starting lineup, ultimately leaving Parma in 1999 to join Hellas Verona, and later ending his career in 2001 with a total of 255 appearances and 7 goals in the Italian top flight.

Following his successes with Parma, Apolloni gained a spot in the Italian squad under head coach Arrigo Sacchi, making his international debut on 27 May 1994, in a 2–0 home win against Finland, coincidentally in Parma. Overall, he made 15 appearances for Italy between 1994 and 1996, and was a member of the azzurri squad that took part at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the final, in which he appeared, only to lose to Brazil on penalties. He was also a part of their less successful Euro 1996 campaign, appearing in Italy's opening two group matches, a 2–1 win over a Russia, and a 2–1 defeat to eventual runners-up the Czech Republic, in which he was sent off; the Italians were eliminated in the first round of the tournament following a 0–0 draw against eventual champions Germany.

Apolloni was known to be a physically powerful and aggressive man-marking centre-back, known as a stopper in Italian football jargon, who possessed a strong mentality and leadership qualities. He was known for his ability in the air, and to put pressure on opponents and close them down; he was also notorious for his tendency to pick-up cards, however. He was considered to be one of the best Italian defenders of his generation, and formed one of the strongest defensive partnerships in Serie A of the 1990s, along with Parma teammate Lorenzo Minotti.

As a manager, Apolloni has mainly used a 4–2–3–1 system, but has also used a 4–3–3 and 3–5–2 formations on occasion. He is known for his ability to bring out the best of his players, with a focus on their individual qualities. His team is centred around efficiency and the tactical versatility of his midfielders. His style has been likened to that of Roberto Donadoni.