View source for Davide Ballardini

{{short description|Italian football manager (born 1964)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
 | name                 = Davide Ballardini
 | image                = Davide Ballardini cropped.JPG
 | caption              = Ballardini as [[SS Lazio|Lazio]] manager in 2009
 | full_name            = Davide Ballardini<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legaseriea.it/uploads/default/attachments/comunicati/comunicati_m/4055/files/allegati/4060/cu_109.pdf |title=Comunicato Ufficiale N. 109 |trans-title=Official Press Release No. 109 |publisher=Lega Serie A |page=7 |date=20 January 2014 |access-date=7 December 2020 |language=it |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325120502/https://www.legaseriea.it/uploads/default/attachments/comunicati/comunicati_m/4055/files/allegati/4060/cu_109.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 | birth_date           = {{Birth date and age|1964|1|6|df=y}}
 | birth_place          = [[Ravenna]], Italy
 | height               = 1.80 m
 | position             = [[Midfielder]]
 | currentclub          = 
 | years1          =        | clubs1          = [[AC Cesena|Cesena]] | caps1 = | goals1 = 
 | manageryears1   = 2004–2005 | managerclubs1   = [[US Sambenedettese|Sambenedettese]]
 | manageryears2   = 2005      | managerclubs2   = [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]]
 | manageryears3   = 2006      | managerclubs3   = [[Pescara Calcio|Pescara]]
 | manageryears4   = 2007–2008 | managerclubs4   = [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]]
 | manageryears5   = 2008–2009 | managerclubs5   = [[Palermo FC|Palermo]]
 | manageryears6   = 2009–2010 | managerclubs6   = [[SS Lazio|Lazio]]
 | manageryears7   = 2010–2011 | managerclubs7   = [[Genoa CFC|Genoa]]
 | manageryears8   = 2011–2012 | managerclubs8   = [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]]
 | manageryears9   = 2013      | managerclubs9   = [[Genoa CFC|Genoa]]
 | manageryears10  = 2014      | managerclubs10  = [[Bologna FC 1909|Bologna]]
 | manageryears11  = 2015–2016 | managerclubs11  = [[Palermo FC|Palermo]]
 | manageryears12  = 2016      | managerclubs12  = [[Palermo FC|Palermo]]
 | manageryears13  = 2017–2018 | managerclubs13  = [[Genoa CFC|Genoa]]
 | manageryears14  = 2020–2021 | managerclubs14  = [[Genoa CFC|Genoa]]
 | manageryears15  = 2023      | managerclubs15  = [[US Cremonese|Cremonese]]
 | manageryears16  = 2024      | managerclubs16  = [[US Sassuolo Calcio|Sassuolo]]
}}
'''Davide Ballardini''' (born 6 January 1964) is an Italian [[Association football|football]] manager. He was most recently the head coach of [[US Sassuolo Calcio|Sassuolo]].

==Playing career==
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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ilquotidiano.it/articoli/2004/09/25/25461/samb-vincere-con-il-rimini-per-far-sognare-i-tifosi|publisher=ilQuotidiano.it|language=it|title=Samb, vincere con il Rimini per far sognare i tifosi|access-date=2 January 2008|date=25 September 2004}}</ref>

==Coaching career==
Ballardini started his coaching career serving as youth team coach for [[Bologna F.C. 1909|Bologna]], and successively Cesena and [[A.C. Milan]]. He then worked as [[Parma F.C.|Parma]] under-19 youth team coach from 2002 to 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sambenedettoggi.it/2004/09/15/6940/mister-ballardini-%E2%80%9Cbisogna-costruire-bene-ed-avere-il-buon-senso-di-capire-che-viviamo-una-situazione-un-po%E2%80%99-particolare%E2%80%9D/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529225221/http://www.sambenedettoggi.it/2004/09/15/6940/mister-ballardini-%E2%80%9Cbisogna-costruire-bene-ed-avere-il-buon-senso-di-capire-che-viviamo-una-situazione-un-po%E2%80%99-particolare%E2%80%9D/|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 May 2008|publisher=SambenedettOggi.it|title=Mister Ballardini: "Bisogna costruire bene ed avere il buon senso di capire che viviamo una situazione un po' particolare"|language=it|access-date=2 January 2008|date=15 September 2004}}</ref> He was then appointed by [[S.S. Sambenedettese Calcio|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 [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]] in the semi-final.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lasamb.it/0405/playoffout.htm |publisher=LaSamb.it |language=it |title=Stagione 2004–2005 Serie C1 girone B – Playoff – Playout |access-date=2 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817125110/http://www.lasamb.it/0405/playoffout.htm |archive-date=17 August 2007}}</ref> He was subsequently chosen by [[Massimo Cellino]] as the new [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]] boss for their [[Serie A 2005–06|2005–06 Serie A]] campaign; however, he was sacked only a few weeks later, on 11 November, and replaced by [[Nedo Sonetti]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/index.php?action=read&id=16435|publisher=TuttoMercatoWeb|language=it|title=Cagliari: la panchina affidata a Sonetti|access-date=2 January 2008|date=11 November 2005}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/index.php?action=read&id=40926 |language=it |title=UFFICIALE: il Pescara esonera Ballardini |access-date=2 January 2008 |date=9 October 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529225642/http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/index.php?action=read&id=40926 |archive-date=29 May 2008}}</ref> 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 [[Sardinia]]n side.<ref name="sonetti_sacked">{{cite news|title=Cagliari appoint new Coach |url=http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/dec27g.html |publisher=Football Italia |date=27 December 2007 |access-date=27 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230101548/http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/dec27g.html |archive-date=30 December 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Under his tenure as head coach, Cagliari dramatically improved their results, winning 32 points in 21 weeks,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.football.it/schedaallenatore.php?id_allenatore=9974 |publisher=Football.it |language=it |access-date=28 May 2008 |title=DAVIDE BALLARDINI}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ballardini_cagliari">{{cite news |url=http://www.cagliaricalcio.net/news/notizia.asp?idNotizia=5592&type=0&id_menu=1 |language=it |publisher=Cagliari Calcio |access-date=27 May 2008 |date=27 May 2008 |title=Ballardini va via |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529080617/http://www.cagliaricalcio.net/news/notizia.asp?idNotizia=5592&type=0&id_menu=1 |archive-date=29 May 2008}}</ref>

On 4 September 2008, Palermo announced they had dismissed head coach [[Stefano Colantuono]], appointing Ballardini as the new ''Rosanero'' boss in a one-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Squadre/Palermo/Primo_Piano/2008/09/04/colantuonovia.shtml |title=Palermo, via Colantuono Ballardini nuovo allenatore |date=4 September 2008 |access-date=4 September 2008 |publisher=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport|Gazzetta.it]] |language=it}}</ref> In his debut match with Palermo, Ballardini led the Sicilians to a very impressive 3–1 home win to [[A.S. Roma|Roma]], and then went on to impose the first seasonal loss to [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], winning 2–1 in [[Turin]], this being the first time Palermo won at Juventus' home in 47 years. His ability to recover Palermo, leading them to the top league positions, was quickly praised again by the media. On 7 October, just two days after the ''Rosanero'' triumph in Turin, Palermo announced to have agreed a two-year contract extension with Ballardini.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/it/0809/news_scheda.jsp?id=10527 |publisher=US Città di Palermo |language=it |title=Ballardini prolunga contratto |date=7 October 2008 |access-date=7 October 2008}}</ref>

After weeks of rumours regarding a possible departure of Ballardini from Palermo at the end of the season, on 30 May the ''Rosanero'' head coach announced he had agreed for 10 days to give a definite answer to the club regarding his intentions. Later that day, Palermo chairman [[Maurizio Zamparini]] announced Ballardini had asked to be relieved from his position due to his unwillingness to keep on serving as Palermo's head coach.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sport/calcio/serie-a/palermo/ballardini-via/ballardini-via.html |title=Zamparini-Ballardini, divorzio di fatto Il presidente: "E' lui che vuole andar via" |date=30 May 2009 |access-date=5 June 2009 |publisher=La Repubblica |language=it}}</ref> A few days later, on 5 June, Palermo unveiled [[Walter Zenga]] as new head coach, thus ending speculation regarding Ballardini's future with the ''Rosanero''. Despite being dismissed as head coach following these events, Ballardini was still under a contract for two more years with the Sicilian club.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Palermo/05-06-2009/zenga-uomo-nuovo-50492606646.shtml |title=Zenga, l'uomo nuovo per un EuroPalermo |language=it |access-date=5 June 2009 |date=5 June 2009 |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport}}</ref>

Finally, after long rumours connecting Ballardini's name as the next coach of [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]] following [[Delio Rossi]]'s departure, he was appointed as the new manager of the Roman club on 15 June 2009. He signed a two-year contract with an option for a third worth €750,000 yearly.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/Notizie/Calcio/71739/Lazio%2C+tutto+pronto+per+la+firma+di+Ballardini |title=Lazio, Ballardini nuovo allenatore |language=it |date=15 July 2009 |access-date=15 July 2009 |publisher=Corriere Dello Sport }} {{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On his first competitive match as Lazio boss, Ballardini led the club to triumph in the [[2009 Supercoppa Italiana]], as his side won 2–1 to outgoing Italian champions [[F.C. Internazionale Milano|Internazionale]] in a single-legged game played at [[Beijing National Stadium]] in China. However, Ballardini did not repeat this triumph at Serie A level and failed to qualify for the [[2009–10 UEFA Europa League]] knockout round. Later, in January and February, several disappointing results left Lazio in 18th place and in danger of being relegated, leading club chairman [[Claudio Lotito]] to dismiss Ballardini and appoint [[Edy Reja]] as new head coach.<ref>{{cite news |title=Calcio, Lazio: esonerato Ballardini, squadra a Reja |url=http://it.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idITMIE61909D20100210 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323100331/http://it.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idITMIE61909D20100210 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 March 2010 |publisher=Reuters Italia |date=10 February 2010 |access-date=10 February 2010 |language=it }}</ref>

On 8 November 2010, Ballardini returned to management, accepting an offer as head coach of Serie A club [[Genoa C.F.C.|Genoa]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Genoa/08-11-2010/preziosi-esonera-gasperini-711744783778.shtml |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |access-date=8 November 2010 |date=8 November 2010 |title=Preziosi esonera Gasperini Al Genoa arriva Ballardini}}</ref> He signed a two-year contract with the club, but club president [[Enrico Preziosi]] terminated the contract with him for no particular reason on 5 June 2011.

On 9 November 2011, Ballardini returned to manage Cagliari for the third time in his career. He was dismissed for just cause on 11 March 2012.

On 21 January 2013, Ballardini returned to Genoa to try to save them from relegation. He has managed to do so with still one game to go. Nevertheless, chairman Preziosi may decide yet again to let him go at the end of the season. Many Genoa supporters respected Ballardini for his manners and energy on the pitch.

On 8 January 2014, Serie A club Bologna announced that Ballardini agreed on a six-month deal to coach their first team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legaseriea.it/it/sala-stampa/archivio-dettaglio/-/news/BOLOGNA__DAVIDE_BALLARDINI_HEAD_COACH_OF_THE_FIRST_TEAM/1017124|title=Bologna, Davide Ballardini Head Coach of The First Team|publisher=Lega Serie A|access-date=8 January 2014|date=8 January 2014|archive-date=9 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109022615/http://www.legaseriea.it/it/sala-stampa/archivio-dettaglio/-/news/BOLOGNA__DAVIDE_BALLARDINI_HEAD_COACH_OF_THE_FIRST_TEAM/1017124|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 10 November 2015, he became the manager of Palermo.<ref name=palermo>[http://www.football-italia.net/75573/palermo-iachini-out-ballardini Palermo: Iachini out, Ballardini in]</ref> He was later relieved of his duties on 11 January 2016, one day after having been publicly accused of unprofessionalism by team captain [[Stefano Sorrentino]] in the wake of a 1–0 away win at [[Hellas Verona F.C.|Verona]].<ref name=palermo2>[http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Palermo/11-01-2016/palermo-caccia-ballardini-nuovo-tecnico-viviani-140230064051.shtml Palermo caccia Ballardini: il nuovo tecnico è Schelotto]</ref>

On 12 April 2016, he was rehired as coach of Palermo after the sacking of [[Walter Novellino]], the ninth managerial change for the club during the [[2015–16 Serie A|2015–16 season]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.football-italia.net/82713/zamp-ballardini-even-b| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160413131453/http://www.football-italia.net/82713/zamp-ballardini-even-b| archive-date = 2016-04-13| title = Zamp: 'Ballardini even in B' {{!}} Football Italia}}</ref>

On 21 December 2020, Ballardini was appointed manager of [[Genoa C.F.C.|Genoa]], beginning his fourth spell with the club.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Official: Genoa sack Maran|url=https://www.football-italia.net/163827/official-genoa-sack-maran|date=21 December 2020|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> He was sacked on 6 November 2021, due to negative results in the [[2021–22 Serie A]] season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=COMUNICATO STAMPA|url=https://genoacfc.it/comunicato-stampa/|access-date=7 November 2021 |date=6 November 2021|language=Italian|website=[[Genoa C.F.C.]]}}</ref>

On 15 January 2023, Ballardini returned to management as the new head coach of bottom-placed Serie A club [[U.S. Cremonese|Cremonese]], signing a contract until 30 June 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uscremonese.it/davide-ballardini-nuovo-allenatore-della-cremonese/ |publisher=[[U.S. Cremonese]] |language=Italian |accessdate=15 January 2023 |date=15 January 2023 |title=DAVIDE BALLARDINI NUOVO ALLENATORE DELLA CREMONESE |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115172857/https://www.uscremonese.it/davide-ballardini-nuovo-allenatore-della-cremonese/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite suffering relegation to Serie B by the end of the season, Ballardini was confirmed in charge of the ''Grigiorossi'' for the [[2023–24 Serie B|2023–24 season]] but was eventually dismissed on 18 September 2023 after an unimpressive start in the league, with just one win in the first five games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uscremonese.it/davide-ballardini-sollevato-dalla-guida-tecnica-della-prima-squadra/ |language=it |date=18 September 2023 |accessdate=18 September 2023 |publisher=US Cremonese |title=Davide Ballardini sollevato dalla guida tecnica della prima squadra}}</ref>

On 1 March 2024, Ballardini was hired by relegation-battling Serie A club [[US Sassuolo Calcio|Sassuolo]] as their new head coach until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[US Sassuolo Calcio]] |date=1 March 2024 |accessdate=5 March 2024 |title=DAVIDE BALLARDINI IS THE NEW SASSUOLO MANAGER |url=https://www.sassuolocalcio.it/en/serie-a-en/davide-ballardini-is-the-new-sassuolo-manager/}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Ballardini was born in [[Ravenna]]. He has three sons, all of them being footballers: Leo Natale (born 1990) played in the role of striker for [[F.C. Igea Virtus Barcellona|Igea Virtus]] and [[Elia Ballardini|Elia]] (born 1991, striker) for [[Virtus Entella]], whereas Erik (born 1995, midfielder) are currently part of Cesena youth ranks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.messinasportiva.it/news.php?id=9758&dove=a |title=L'Igea Virtus ingaggia il figlio del tecnico laziale Ballardini |language=it |date=9 August 2009 |access-date=11 August 2009 |publisher=Messina Sportiva |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814194153/http://www.messinasportiva.it/news.php?id=9758&dove=a |archive-date=14 August 2009}}</ref>

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|match played 26 May 2024}}{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
|-
! rowspan="2" |Team
! rowspan="2" |Nat.
! rowspan="2" |From
! rowspan="2" |To
! colspan="8" |Record	
|-
!{{Tooltip|G|Games managed}}
!{{Tooltip|W|Games won}}
!{{Tooltip|D|Games drawn}}
!{{Tooltip|L|Games lost}}
!{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}}
!{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}}
!{{Tooltip|GD|Goal difference}}
!{{Tooltip|Win %|Winning percentage}}
|-
|align=left|[[US Sambenedettese|Sambenedettese]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|1 September 2004
|align=left|7 June 2005
{{WDL|40|14|14|12|for=44|against=35|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|16 September 2005
|align=left|8 November 2005
{{WDL|9|0|4|5|for=5|against=14|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Pescara Calcio|Pescara]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|1 July 2006
|align=left|9 October 2006
{{WDL|8|1|2|5|for=8|against=12|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|27 December 2007
|align=left|27 May 2008
{{WDL|22|9|5|8|for=27|against=27|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left| [[Palermo FC|Palermo]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|4 September 2008
|align=left|5 June 2009
{{WDL|37|17|6|14|for=56|against=47|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[SS Lazio|Lazio]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|15 June 2009
|align=left|10 February 2010
{{WDL|34|9|10|15|for=35|against=39|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Genoa CFC|Genoa]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|8 November 2010
|align=left|5 June 2011
{{WDL|30|12|7|11|for=42|against=40|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left| [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|9 November 2011
|align=left|11 March 2012
{{WDL|18|4|6|8|for=18|against=27|diff=yes||decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Genoa CFC|Genoa]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|21 January 2013
|align=left|6 June 2013
{{WDL|17|4|9|4|for=17|against=18|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left| [[Bologna FC 1909|Bologna]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|8 January 2014
|align=left|1 July 2014
{{WDL|20|2|8|10|for=11|against=25|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Palermo FC|Palermo]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|10 November 2015
|align=left|11 January 2016
{{WDL|8|2|1|5|for=9|against=16|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Palermo FC|Palermo]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|12 April 2016
|align=left|5 September 2016
{{WDL|9|4|3|2|for=11|against=10|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Genoa CFC|Genoa]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|6 November 2017
|align=left|9 October 2018
{{WDL|36|16|5|15|for=40|against=40|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Genoa CFC|Genoa]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|21 December 2020
|align=left|5 November 2021
{{WDL|39|11|14|14|for=57|against=61|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[US Cremonese|Cremonese]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|15 January 2023
|align=left|18 September 2023
{{WDL|30|8|10|12|for=34|against=47|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[US Sassuolo Calcio|Sassuolo]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|align=left|1 March 2024
|align=left|31 May 2024
{{WDL|12|2|4|6|for=11|against=21|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
!colspan=4|Total
{{WDLtot|368|114|108|146|for=425|against=479|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|}

==Honours==
===As manager===
;Lazio
* [[Supercoppa Italiana]]: [[2009 Supercoppa Italiana|2009]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Cagliari Calcio managers}}
{{U.S. Città di Palermo managers}}
{{S.S. Lazio managers}}
{{Genoa C.F.C. managers}}
{{Bologna F.C. 1909 managers}}
{{US Sassuolo Calcio managers}}

{{portal bar|Association football|Italy}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ballardini, Davide}}
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Ravenna]]
[[Category:Italian football managers]]
[[Category:US Sambenedettese managers]]
[[Category:Delfino Pescara 1936 managers]]
[[Category:Cagliari Calcio managers]]
[[Category:Palermo FC managers]]
[[Category:Genoa CFC managers]]
[[Category:US Sassuolo Calcio managers]]
[[Category:Serie A managers]]
[[Category:AC Cesena players]]
[[Category:Italian men's footballers]]
[[Category:SS Lazio managers]]
[[Category:Bologna FC 1909 managers]]
[[Category:US Cremonese managers]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Footballers from Emilia-Romagna]]
[[Category:20th-century Italian sportsmen]]