Attilio Lombardo

Attilio Lombardo, born on January sixth, nineteen sixty-six, is a distinguished Italian football manager and former player, currently serving as a caretaker and technical collaborator with Sampdoria. Throughout his illustrious career, Lombardo was primarily positioned as a wide midfielder or offensive right winger, though he also showcased his versatility by playing as a fullback or wingback later in his journey.

His footballing legacy is most notably marked by his two significant spells with Sampdoria, where he became a fan favorite. Lombardo is among a select group of six players who have achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Serie A title with three different clubs: Sampdoria, Juventus, and Lazio. This elite company includes notable names such as Giovanni Ferrari and Aldo Serena. Additionally, he had a memorable stint in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

On the international stage, Lombardo represented the Italy national football team on nineteen occasions, although he was never selected for a major tournament. His unique playing style and physical attributes earned him several nicknames, including 'Popeye' for his resemblance to the cartoon character, and 'the Ostrich' due to his impressive pace and stamina. During his time at Crystal Palace, he was affectionately dubbed 'The Bald Eagle.'