Massimo Ambrosini was born in Pesaro on 29 May 1977. A dynamic and versatile midfielder with superb aerial and passing skills, he was a fundamental player in AC Milan’s success for 15 years, both in Italy and internationally, as well as finishing as a runner-up with the Azzurri at EURO 2000.

His career began at Cesena at the start of the ‘90s, then moving to the Rossoneri in the summer of 1995, where he made his Serie A debut in a 3-2 home win over Cagliari on 5 November, finishing that season with seven appearances and his first Scudetto under his belt. He was sent out on loan to Vicenza for the 1997/98 season, establishing his name as an emerging midfielder in Italian football and earning a key role in an AC Milan side next to Zaccheroni, Ancelotti and Allegri the following season. There he won three more Scudetti, two Champions Leagues, one Coppa Italia, two Italian Super Cups and one Club World Cup. His career came to a close in the 2013/14 season, playing his final year at Fiorentina under Vincenzo Montella.

His national debut with the Under-21s came in 1995, earning him a call-up to the Olympic squad at the Sydney Games in 2000. His first game for the senior side came on 28 April 1999 against Croatia in Zagreb. He was then part of the EURO 2000 squad in Belgium and Holland under Zoff, with Italy losing to Trezeguet’s golden goal in the final. He became a regular feature in Donadoni’s Azzurri side and also earned a spot in the squad at EURO 2008. In total, he made 35 appearances for Italy over the course of his career.

He also held the role of Head of the Delegation for the Italy Under-21s.