{{Short description|Italian footballer (born 1977)}}
{{morefootnotes|date=January2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2012}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Massimo Ambrosini
| name = Massimo Ambrosini
| image = Massimo Ambrosini – A.C. Milan 2.jpg
| image = Massimo Ambrosini – A.C. Milan 2.jpg
| caption = Ambrosini with [[A.C. Milan|Milan]] in 2012
| caption = Ambrosini with [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]] in 2012
| fullname = Massimo Ambrosini<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legaseriea.it/uploads/default/attachments/comunicati/comunicati_m/4041/files/allegati/4046/cu_56.pdf |title=Comunicato Ufficiale N. 56 |trans-title=Official Press Release No. 56 |publisher=Lega Serie A |page=5 |date=7 October 2013 |access-date=11 December 2020 |language=it}}</ref>
| fullname = Massimo Ambrosini
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|5|29|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|5|29|df=y}}
{{Medal|RU|[[UEFA Euro 2000|2000 Belgium–Netherlands]]|}}
{{MedalSport|Association football}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Football Championship]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[UEFA Euro 2000|Belgium-Netherlands 2000]]|}}
}}
}}
'''Massimo Ambrosini''' {{postnominals|post-noms=[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Cavaliere OMRI]]}} ({{IPA|it|ˈmassimo ambroˈziːni}}; born 29 May 1977) is an Italian former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who mainly played as a [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]]. At club level, he is mostly known for his successful time at Italian team [[AC Milan]], where he spent eighteen years of his career, winning several titles, and [[Captain (association football)|captained]] the side from 2009 to 2013 following the retirement of [[Paolo Maldini]]. Ambrosini retired from professional football in 2014, after a season with [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]].
'''Massimo Ambrosini''' ({{IPA-it|ˈmassimo ambroˈziːni}}; born 29 May 1977 in [[Pesaro]], [[Marche]]) is a former [[Italians|Italian]] [[Professional sports#Association football|professional]] [[Association football|footballer]], who mainly played as a [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]]. At club level, he is mostly known for his successful time at Italian team [[Real Madrid]], where he spent eighteen years of his career, winning several titles, and [[Captain (association football)|captained]] the side from 2009 to 2013 following the retirement of [[Paolo Maldini]]. Ambrosini retired from professional football in 2014, after a season with [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]]. At international level, he represented [[Italy national football team|Italy]] at the [[Football at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2000 Summer Olympics]], and in two [[UEFA European Championship]]s, winning a runners-up medal at [[UEFA Euro 2000]].
At international level, he represented [[Italy national football team|Italy]] at the [[Football at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2000 Summer Olympics]], and in two [[UEFA European Championship]]s, winning a runners-up medal at [[UEFA Euro 2000]].
He currently works as a pundit and football commentator for [[Sky Sport (Italy)|Sky Sport Italia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/milan/2017/02/27-22237504/tifosi_del_milan_contro_le_telecronache_ambrosini|title=Tifosi del Milan contro le telecronache Ambrosini|publisher=}}</ref>
He currently works as a pundit and football commentator for [[Sky Sport (Italy)|Sky Sport Italia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/milan/2017/02/27-22237504/tifosi_del_milan_contro_le_telecronache_ambrosini|title=Tifosi del Milan contro le telecronache Ambrosini}}</ref>
==Club career==
==Club career==
===Milan===
===AC Milan===
Ambrosini began his career with [[A.C. Cesena|Cesena]] and graduated to their first team at the age of 17 during the [[1994–95 Serie A|1994–95]] season. [[A.C. Milan|Milan]] coach [[Fabio Capello]] then won the race to sign him the [[1995–96 Serie A|following year]], and despite facing tough competition to break into the all-star Milan side, Ambrosini was given a handful of games as the team romped to the [[Serie A]] championship. Used in the [[1996–97 Serie A|1996–97]] season only sporadically, Ambrosini was sent on [[Loan (sports)|loan]] to [[Vicenza Calcio|Vicenza]], where he was given a spot in the team's starting line-up almost immediately, and helped his team avoid relegation at the end of the season. He also reached the semi-final of [[1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]] with Vicenza.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/massimo-ambrosini|title=Massimo Ambrosini: football player profile & stats |website=A.C. Milan}}</ref> Recalled to the [[San Siro]], Ambrosini at last made a first-team place his own as Milan won back the Serie A championship in [[1998–99 Serie A|1999]]. A regular the following term, he then saw his chances limited by a troublesome [[knee injury]] before returning to full fitness to help Milan win the [[Coppa Italia]] (scoring in a 4–1 win in the first leg of the [[2003 Coppa Italia Final|final]] over [[A.S. Roma|Roma]])<ref name="Al Milan anche la Coppa Italia">{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio2002_serie_a/milancop/milancop/milancop.html|title=Al Milan anche la Coppa Italia|newspaper=La Repubblica|accessdate=25 July 2014}}</ref> and the [[UEFA Champions League]] during the [[2002–03 Serie A|2002–03 season]], where he replaced [[Rui Costa]] in the 87th minute of the [[2003 UEFA Champions League Final|final]] against [[Juventus F.C.|Juventus]], held at [[Old Trafford (football)|Old Trafford]].
Ambrosini began his career with [[A.C. Cesena|Cesena]] and graduated to their first team at the age of 17 during the [[1994–95 Serie A|1994–95]] season. [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]] coach [[Fabio Capello]] then won the race to sign him the [[1995–96 Serie A|following year]], and despite facing tough competition to break into the all-star Milan side, Ambrosini was given a handful of games as the team romped to the [[Serie A]] championship. Used in the [[1996–97 Serie A|1996–97]] season only sporadically, Ambrosini was sent on [[Loan (sports)|loan]] to [[Vicenza Calcio|Vicenza]], where he was given a spot in the team's starting line-up almost immediately, and helped his team avoid relegation at the end of the season. He also reached the semi-final of [[1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]] with Vicenza.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/massimo-ambrosini|title=Massimo Ambrosini: football player profile & stats |website=A.C. Milan}}</ref> Recalled to the [[San Siro]], Ambrosini at last made a first-team place his own as Milan won back the Serie A championship in [[1998–99 Serie A|1999]]. A regular the following term, he then saw his chances limited by a troublesome [[knee injury]] before returning to full fitness to help Milan win the [[Coppa Italia]] (scoring in a 4–1 win in the first leg of the [[2003 Coppa Italia Final|final]] over [[A.S. Roma|Roma]])<ref name="Al Milan anche la Coppa Italia">{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio2002_serie_a/milancop/milancop/milancop.html|title=Al Milan anche la Coppa Italia|newspaper=La Repubblica|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> and the [[UEFA Champions League]] during the [[2002–03 Serie A|2002–03 season]], where he replaced [[Rui Costa]] in the 87th minute of the [[2003 UEFA Champions League Final|final]] against [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], held at [[Old Trafford (football)|Old Trafford]].
In [[2003–04 Serie A|2003–04]], although unable to establish himself as a first-team starter due to a series of niggling injuries and a loss of form, Ambrosini made 20 Serie A appearances – predominantly as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] – and scored one [[Goal (sport)|goal]] as Milan captured their 17th Serie A championship. In March 2005, he renewed his contract to June 2008.
In [[2003–04 Serie A|2003–04]], although unable to establish himself as a first-team starter due to a series of niggling injuries and a loss of form, Ambrosini made 20 Serie A appearances – predominantly as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] – and scored one [[Goal (sport)|goal]] as Milan captured their 17th Serie A championship. In March 2005, he renewed his contract to June 2008.
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[[File:Massimo Ambrosini.jpg|260px|thumb|left|Ambrosini with Milan in May 2007]]
[[File:Massimo Ambrosini.jpg|260px|thumb|left|Ambrosini with Milan in May 2007]]
Unlike the previous seasons, [[2006–07 Serie A|2006–07]] became Ambrosini's late breakthrough as he had fully recovered from his recurring injuries. Although not an immediate starter at the beginning, following a series of stunning performances, he eventually made his way into the team's starting 11, prompting [[Carlo Ancelotti]] to change his preferred formation from [[Formation (association football)#4–3–1–2|4–3–1–2]] to [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.933.E2.80.932.E2.80.931.28the.22ChristmasTree.22 formation.29|4–3–2–1]] (alternatively, [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.934.E2.80.931.E2.80.931|4–4–1–1]]), in which he would play a left-sided [[defensive midfielder]], in a role similar to that of [[Gennaro Gattuso]] responsible for winning back possession and passing the ball to either a [[deep-lying playmaker]] [[Andrea Pirlo]] or other attacking players. He scored two decisive goals in Serie A against [[U.C. Sampdoria|Sampdoria]] and [[Atalanta B.C.|Atalanta]], both with his head. He was also a key member to Milan's victory over [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] and [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the UEFA Champions League, balancing the game for Milan through his vision and leadership skills; his long pass from his team's half of the pitch to an unmarked striker [[Alberto Gilardino]] helped ensure Milan's eventual 3–0 victory as Gilardino scored a goal that drastically reduced Manchester United's chances of a comeback. This game also prompted Ambrosini to change his mind about leaving Milan due to lack of playing time and extend his contract until June 2010.
Unlike the previous seasons, [[2006–07 Serie A|2006–07]] became Ambrosini's late breakthrough as he had fully recovered from his recurring injuries. Although not an immediate starter at the beginning, following a series of stunning performances, he eventually made his way into the team's starting 11, prompting [[Carlo Ancelotti]] to change his preferred formation from [[Formation (association football)#4–3–1–2|4–3–1–2]] to [[Formation (association football)#4–3–2–1 (the "Christmas tree" formation)|4–3–2–1]] (alternatively, [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.934.E2.80.931.E2.80.931|4–4–1–1]]), in which he would play a left-sided [[defensive midfielder]], in a role similar to that of [[Gennaro Gattuso]] responsible for winning back possession and passing the ball to either a [[deep-lying playmaker]] [[Andrea Pirlo]] or other attacking players. He scored two decisive goals in Serie A against [[U.C. Sampdoria|Sampdoria]] and [[Atalanta B.C.|Atalanta]], both with his head. He was also a key member to Milan's victory over [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] and [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the UEFA Champions League, balancing the game for Milan through his vision and leadership skills; his long pass from his team's half of the pitch to an unmarked striker [[Alberto Gilardino]] helped ensure Milan's eventual 3–0 victory as Gilardino scored a goal that drastically reduced Manchester United's chances of a comeback. This game also prompted Ambrosini to change his mind about leaving Milan due to lack of playing time and extend his contract until June 2010.
Later that month, Ambrosini started in the [[2007 UEFA Champions League Final|final]] of the [[2006–07 UEFA Champions League|2006–07 Champions League]] and played a strong game in Milan's eventual 2–1 win over Liverpool. He was also the last player to touch the ball seconds before the final whistle.
Later that month, Ambrosini started in the [[2007 UEFA Champions League Final|final]] of the [[2006–07 UEFA Champions League|2006–07 Champions League]] and played a strong game in Milan's eventual 2–1 win over Liverpool. He was also the last player to touch the ball seconds before the final whistle.
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Ambrosini was Milan captain in the absence of Paolo Maldini throughout the [[A.C. Milan 2007–08|2007–08]] campaign. In this campaign, Ambrosini scored four goals. He scored decisive goals against [[U.S. Città di Palermo|Palermo]] and [[Empoli F.C.|Empoli]], and played very well in the home leg of the [[Derby della Madonnina|Milan derby]] against [[Inter Milan|Internazionale]] on 4 May 2008, setting up the second goal for teammate [[Kaká]] and putting in an excellent performance throughout the game, which Milan won 2–1. However, Milan had failed to earn 3 points in each single game leading up to a 4–1 win against [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]] on the final day of the season, thus finishing only in fifth place and qualifying for [[2008–09 UEFA Cup]] instead of the desired Champions League.
Ambrosini was Milan captain in the absence of Paolo Maldini throughout the [[A.C. Milan 2007–08|2007–08]] campaign. In this campaign, Ambrosini scored four goals. He scored decisive goals against [[U.S. Città di Palermo|Palermo]] and [[Empoli F.C.|Empoli]], and played very well in the home leg of the [[Derby della Madonnina|Milan derby]] against [[Inter Milan|Internazionale]] on 4 May 2008, setting up the second goal for teammate [[Kaká]] and putting in an excellent performance throughout the game, which Milan won 2–1. However, Milan had failed to earn 3 points in each single game leading up to a 4–1 win against [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]] on the final day of the season, thus finishing only in fifth place and qualifying for [[2008–09 UEFA Cup]] instead of the desired Champions League.
During the [[2008–09 Serie A|2008–09 campaign]], Ambrosini was once again a regular fixture in the Milan starting lineup, making 26 appearances in the team's Serie A campaign. During a [[Pre-season#Preseason|pre-season]] [[Exhibition game|friendly]] tournament against [[Juventus F.C.|Juventus]], Ambrosini was named [[Man of the match|Man of the Match]] as he [[Score (sport)|netted]] twice to secure a Milan victory. His second goal was a superb effort into the roof of the net, past a bewildered [[Alex Manninger]].
During the [[2008–09 Serie A|2008–09 campaign]], Ambrosini was once again a regular fixture in the Milan starting lineup, making 26 appearances in the team's Serie A campaign. During a [[Pre-season#Preseason|pre-season]] [[Exhibition game|friendly]] tournament against [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], Ambrosini was named [[Man of the match|Man of the Match]] as he [[Score (sport)|netted]] twice to secure a Milan victory. His second goal was a superb effort into the roof of the net, past a bewildered [[Alex Manninger]].
This season was also memorable for him as he had managed a season total of eight goals (one in the UEFA Cup), more than he has scored in any season in his career with Milan. The goals included a brilliant header off [[David Beckham]]'s [[Indirect free kick|free kick]] against [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]], and a well-placed goal in a 5–1 win over [[Torino F.C.|Torino]]. Ambrosini also scored his first double in a competitive fixture in a 3–2 loss to [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] during Paolo Maldini's final home game, and received a standing ovation from the home crowd despite being [[Sent off#Association football|sent off]] by the [[Referee (association football)|referee]] for a second [[Yellow card (sports)#Yellow card|yellow card]].
This season was also memorable for him as he had managed a season total of eight goals (one in the UEFA Cup), more than he has scored in any season in his career with Milan. The goals included a brilliant header off [[David Beckham]]'s [[Indirect free kick|free kick]] against [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]], and a well-placed goal in a 5–1 win over [[Torino F.C.|Torino]]. Ambrosini also scored his first double in a competitive fixture in a 3–2 loss to [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] during Paolo Maldini's final home game, and received a standing ovation from the home crowd despite being [[Sent off#Association football|sent off]] by the [[Referee (association football)|referee]] for a second [[Yellow card (sports)#Yellow card|yellow card]].
On 6 July 2009, as the Milan team reunited for [[Pre-season#Preseason|pre-season]] training, Ambrosini was officially named [[Captain (association football)#Club|club captain]], inheriting the [[armband]] from Paolo Maldini. On 8 September 2009, he added one more year to his contract, extending his stay with the team at least until 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=90042|title=AVANTI, CAPITANO!|date=8 September 2009|accessdate=8 September 2009|publisher=A.C. Milan|language=Italian|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911040253/http://www.acmilan.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=90042|archivedate=11 September 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He won the Serie A title in 2010–11 season with three games in hand, edging out city rivals Internazionale. On 19 May 2011, he signed a new, one-year [[Association football contracts|contract]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/10465|title=A.C. MILAN COMUNICATO UFFICIALE|date=19 May 2011|accessdate=19 May 2011|work=A.C. Milan|language=Italian}}</ref> After a disappointing second-place finish in the [[2011–12 Serie A|2011–12 season]] and the departure of fellow team greats [[Filippo Inzaghi]], [[Alessandro Nesta]], [[Gennaro Gattuso]], and [[Clarence Seedorf]], Ambrosini was reported to be considering his future with the club, but [[Adriano Galliani]] was able to convince Massimo to sign yet another one-year deal and continue on to be the captain for Milan for the [[2012–13 Serie A|2012–13 season]]. After a very rough start with several notable defeats, Milan eventually finished the season in the third place behind the defending champions Juventus and runners-up [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]], securing a spot in the next season's Champions League qualification play-off.
On 6 July 2009, as the Milan team reunited for [[Pre-season#Preseason|pre-season]] training, Ambrosini was officially named [[Captain (association football)#Club|club captain]], inheriting the [[armband]] from Paolo Maldini. On 8 September 2009, he added one more year to his contract, extending his stay with the team at least until 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=90042|title=AVANTI, CAPITANO!|date=8 September 2009|access-date=8 September 2009|publisher=A.C. Milan|language=it|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911040253/http://www.acmilan.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=90042|archive-date=11 September 2009}}</ref> He won the Serie A title in 2010–11 season with three games in hand, edging out city rivals Internazionale. On 19 May 2011, he signed a new, one-year [[Association football contracts|contract]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/10465|title=A.C. MILAN COMUNICATO UFFICIALE|date=19 May 2011|access-date=19 May 2011|work=A.C. Milan|language=it}}</ref> After a disappointing second-place finish in the [[2011–12 Serie A|2011–12 season]] and the departure of fellow team greats [[Filippo Inzaghi]], [[Alessandro Nesta]], [[Gennaro Gattuso]], and [[Clarence Seedorf]], Ambrosini was reported to be considering his future with the club, but [[Adriano Galliani]] was able to convince Massimo to sign yet another one-year deal and continue on to be the captain for Milan for the [[2012–13 Serie A|2012–13 season]]. After a very rough start with several notable defeats, Milan eventually finished the season in the third place behind the defending champions Juventus and runners-up [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]], securing a spot in the next season's Champions League qualification play-off.
On 11 June 2013 A.C. Milan CEO [[Adriano Galliani]] confirmed that the club had decided not to extend Ambrosini's expiring contract, thus ending his eighteen-year stay at Milan.
On 11 June 2013, Milan CEO [[Adriano Galliani]] confirmed that the club had decided not to extend Ambrosini's expiring contract, thus ending his eighteen-year stay at Milan.
===Fiorentina===
===Fiorentina===
On 4 July 2013 [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]] confirmed on their official website that they had won the race to sign Ambrosini on a one-year deal, beating [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] who were also looking to sign him.<ref name="Fiorentina Deal">{{cite news|title=Massimo Ambrosini signs one-year deal with Fiorentina|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/8806436/Transfer-news-Massimo-Ambrosini-signs-one-year-deal-with-Fiorentina|accessdate=4 July 2013|work=Sky Sports News|date=4 July 2013}}</ref> He made 30 appearances for Fiorentina in his first season with La Viola, helping the club to fourth place in Serie A. Massimo Ambrosini would announce on 21 May 2014 that he would be leaving Fiorentina after one season.
On 4 July 2013 [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]] confirmed on their official website that they had won the race to sign Ambrosini on a one-year deal, beating [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] who were also looking to sign him.<ref name="Fiorentina Deal">{{cite news|title=Massimo Ambrosini signs one-year deal with Fiorentina|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/8806436/Transfer-news-Massimo-Ambrosini-signs-one-year-deal-with-Fiorentina|access-date=4 July 2013|work=Sky Sports News|date=4 July 2013}}</ref> He made 30 appearances for Fiorentina in his first season with La Viola, helping the club to fourth place in Serie A. Massimo Ambrosini would announce on 21 May 2014 that he would be leaving Fiorentina after one season.
==International career==
==International career==
Ambrosini made his senior international debut on 28 April 1999 against [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]], under manager [[Dino Zoff]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/aprile/29/Croazia_Italia_noia_batte_tutti_co_0_9904291315.shtml|title=Croazia – Italia, la noia batte tutti|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=Italian|date=29 April 1999|accessdate=17 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206010439/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/aprile/29/Croazia_Italia_noia_batte_tutti_co_0_9904291315.shtml|archive-date=6 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and was part of the [[Italy national football team|Italian squad]] at [[UEFA Euro 2000]], which ended with an appearance as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] in the final loss to reigning World champions [[France national football team|France]] following [[David Trezeguet]]'s golden goal;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2000/matches/round=1461/match=65299/postmatch/lineups/index.html|title=Gol d'oro per Trezeguet e la Francia|trans-title=Golden goal for Trezeguet and France|publisher=UEFA.com|language=Italian|date=6 October 2003|accessdate=29 January 2015}}</ref> he also represented Italy at the [[2000 Summer Olympics]] under [[Marco Tardelli]] later that year, where Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual finalists [[Spain national under-23 football team|Spain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/eventi/sydney2000/200009/23/39ccb462034a8/|title=Italia sconfitta|publisher=RaiSport|language=Italian|date=23 September 2000|accessdate=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205182006/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/eventi/sydney2000/200009/23/39ccb462034a8/|archive-date=5 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ambrosini was unavailable for selection for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] finals under [[Giovanni Trapattoni]] due to [[Sports injury|injury]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio/convocati/convocati/convocati.html|title=Ecco i 23 azzurri per i Mondiali|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=8 May 2002|accessdate=17 January 2017}}</ref> and then failed to break into the squad for the [[UEFA Euro 2004]] finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://it.eurosport.com/calcio/euro/2004/azzurri-senza-sorprese_sto590324/story.shtml|title=Azzurri senza sorprese|publisher=Eurosport.com|language=Italian|date=18 May 2004|accessdate=5 February 2017}}</ref> Under subsequent manager [[Marcello Lippi]], he was also excluded from the national side and was not called up for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]], which Italy went on to win.<ref name="mediaset">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/calcio_la_nazionale/articoli/29151/ambro-borriello-ombre-su-lippi.shtml|title=Ambro-Borriello, ombre su Lippi|publisher=Sport Mediaset|language=Italian|date=7 January 2010|accessdate=5 February 2017}}</ref>
Ambrosini made his senior international debut on 28 April 1999 against [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]], under manager [[Dino Zoff]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/aprile/29/Croazia_Italia_noia_batte_tutti_co_0_9904291315.shtml|title=Croazia – Italia, la noia batte tutti|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=29 April 1999|access-date=17 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206010439/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/aprile/29/Croazia_Italia_noia_batte_tutti_co_0_9904291315.shtml|archive-date=6 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and was part of the [[Italy national football team|Italian squad]] at [[UEFA Euro 2000]], which ended with an appearance as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] in the final loss to reigning World champions [[France national football team|France]] following [[David Trezeguet]]'s golden goal;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2000/matches/round=1461/match=65299/postmatch/lineups/index.html|title=Gol d'oro per Trezeguet e la Francia|trans-title=Golden goal for Trezeguet and France|publisher=UEFA.com|language=it|date=6 October 2003|access-date=29 January 2015}}</ref> he also represented Italy at the [[2000 Summer Olympics]] under [[Marco Tardelli]] later that year, where Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual finalists [[Spain national under-23 football team|Spain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/eventi/sydney2000/200009/23/39ccb462034a8/|title=Italia sconfitta|publisher=RaiSport|language=it|date=23 September 2000|access-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205182006/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/eventi/sydney2000/200009/23/39ccb462034a8/|archive-date=5 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ambrosini was unavailable for selection for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] finals under [[Giovanni Trapattoni]] due to [[Sports injury|injury]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio/convocati/convocati/convocati.html|title=Ecco i 23 azzurri per i Mondiali|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=8 May 2002|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref> and then failed to break into the squad for the [[UEFA Euro 2004]] finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://it.eurosport.com/calcio/euro/2004/azzurri-senza-sorprese_sto590324/story.shtml|title=Azzurri senza sorprese|publisher=Eurosport.com|language=it|date=18 May 2004|access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref> Under subsequent manager [[Marcello Lippi]], he was also excluded from the national side and was not called up for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]], which Italy went on to win.<ref name="mediaset">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/calcio_la_nazionale/articoli/29151/ambro-borriello-ombre-su-lippi.shtml|title=Ambro-Borriello, ombre su Lippi|publisher=Sport Mediaset|language=it|date=7 January 2010|access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref>
On 16 August 2006, Ambrosini earned his 23rd cap for Italy after almost two years of absence from the squad in a 2–0 friendly home defeat to Croatia; for this match, he was given the captain's armband by coach [[Roberto Donadoni]] in the absence of regular contenders for the armband.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/08/sezioni/sport/calcio/nazionale/donadoni-lista/donadoni-lista/donadoni-lista.html|title=Lucarelli, Liverani e linea verde ecco la Nazionale di Donadoni|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=12 August 2006|accessdate=17 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Sport/2006/08/gtor%20italia%20sconfitta.shtml?uuid=8ed5b19c-2dc5-11db-8e14-00000e251029&DocRulesView=Libero|title=Delude all'esordio l'Italia di Donadoni: la Croazia vince 2 a 0|newspaper=Il Sole 24 Ore|language=Italian|date=17 August 2006|accessdate=17 January 2017}}</ref> He was then called up by the national side's manager to Italy's squad for [[UEFA Euro 2008]] in Austria and Switzerland,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/28/italy.euro2008.squad|title=Italy squad for Euro 2008|newspaper=The Guardian|date=28 May 2008|accessdate=28 January 2014}}</ref> appearing in all four of his nation's matches throughout the tournament, as Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the tournament by eventual champions [[Spain national football team|Spain]], following a penalty shootout.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232283&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EURO|title=Spain 0 – 0 Italy|work=[[ESPNsoccernet]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=22 June 2008|accessdate=15 June 2010}}</ref> After Donadoni's dismissal, however, Lippi was put back in charge, and Ambrosini was no longer called up for Italy, despite putting in battling displays for Milan.<ref name="mediaset"/> In total he made 35 appearances for Italy.<ref name=figc.it>{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1508&squadra=1|title=Ambrosini, Massimo|website=figc.it|publisher=FIGC|language=Italian|accessdate=17 December 2015}}</ref>
On 16 August 2006, Ambrosini earned his 23rd cap for Italy after almost two years of absence from the squad in a 2–0 friendly home defeat to Croatia; for this match, he was given the captain's armband by coach [[Roberto Donadoni]] in the absence of regular contenders for the armband.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/08/sezioni/sport/calcio/nazionale/donadoni-lista/donadoni-lista/donadoni-lista.html|title=Lucarelli, Liverani e linea verde ecco la Nazionale di Donadoni|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=12 August 2006|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Sport/2006/08/gtor%20italia%20sconfitta.shtml?uuid=8ed5b19c-2dc5-11db-8e14-00000e251029&DocRulesView=Libero|title=Delude all'esordio l'Italia di Donadoni: la Croazia vince 2 a 0|newspaper=Il Sole 24 Ore|language=it|date=17 August 2006|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref> He was then called up by the national side's manager to Italy's squad for [[UEFA Euro 2008]] in Austria and Switzerland,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/28/italy.euro2008.squad|title=Italy squad for Euro 2008|newspaper=The Guardian|date=28 May 2008|access-date=28 January 2014}}</ref> appearing in all four of his nation's matches throughout the tournament, as Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the tournament by eventual champions [[Spain national football team|Spain]], following a penalty shootout.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232283&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EURO|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628205252/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232283&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EURO|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 June 2008|title=Spain 0 – 0 Italy|work=[[ESPNsoccernet]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=22 June 2008|access-date=15 June 2010}}</ref> After Donadoni's dismissal, however, Lippi was put back in charge, and Ambrosini was no longer called up for Italy, despite putting in battling displays for Milan.<ref name="mediaset"/> In total he made 35 appearances for Italy.<ref name=figc.it>{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1508&squadra=1|title=Ambrosini, Massimo|website=figc.it|publisher=FIGC|language=it|access-date=17 December 2015}}</ref>
==Style of play==
==Style of play==
A physically strong, tenacious, energetic, and hardworking [[Midfielder#Box-to-box midfielder|box-to-box]], [[Midfielder#Central midfielder|central]], or [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]], with a wide range of skills, Ambrosini was well regarded for his ability in the air, and was capable of being a goal-threat, in particular from set-pieces, due to his height, elevation, ability to make attacking runs into the area, and his heading accuracy, as well as his powerful striking ability from distance, which even led manager Carlo Ancelotti to deploy him as a [[Forward (association football)#Centre-forward|centre forward]] on occasion. Throughout his career, he stood out for his leadership, as well as his stamina, versatility, tactical intelligence, and aggressive [[Tackle (football move)#Association football|tackling]]. Although Ambrosini primarily served as a ball winner, he was also known for his ability to start attacking plays after winning back possession, courtesy of his vision and passing range, despite his lack of notable technical skills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/squad/773600.stm|title=BBC Sport, Euro 2000 Profile: Massimo Ambrosini|publisher=BBC|accessdate=19 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/4746336/Italy-Team-Details.html|title=Italy Team Details|newspaper=The Telegraph|author1=John Ley|date=9 June 2000|accessdate=18 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2003/dicembre/19/Samp_consolati_Ecco_Ambrosini_ga_0_0312197529.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|title=Samp consolati Ecco Ambrosini|trans-title=Samp, console yourself Here's Ambrosini|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=Italian|author=Carlo Laudisa|date=19 December 2003|accessdate=25 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1999/ottobre/29/Ambrosini_Gattuso_Milan_che_corre_ga_0_9910291795.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|title=Ambrosini e Gattuso, il Milan che corre|trans-title=Ambrosini and Gattuso, the Milan that runs|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=Italian|author=Andrea Masala|date=29 October 1999|accessdate=25 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2007/ottobre/22/Ambrosini_centravanti_una_geniale_provocazione_co_9_071022109.shtml|title=Ambrosini centravanti, una geniale provocazione|trans-title=Ambrosini centre forward, an ingenious provocation|newspaper=[[Corriere della Sera]]|language=Italian|author=Alberto Costa|date=22 October 2007|accessdate=17 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="glance">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1022803.stm|title=Italy squad at a glance|publisher=BBC|accessdate=7 November 2015|date=14 November 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://temi.repubblica.it/nuovavenezia-europei2008/2008/05/23/massimo-ambrosini/|title=Massimo Ambrosini|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=23 May 2008|accessdate=5 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/euro2000/italy/player/Ambrosini.html|title=Profile: Massimo Ambrosini|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Gary M Prior|date=13 July 2000|accessdate=22 February 2017}}</ref> Despite his ability as a midfielder, he often struggled with injuries throughout his career.<ref name="mediaset"/>
A physically strong, tenacious, energetic, and hardworking [[Midfielder#Box-to-box midfielder|box-to-box]], [[Midfielder#Central midfielder|central]], or [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]], with a wide range of skills, Ambrosini was well regarded for his ability in the air, and was capable of being a goal-threat, in particular from set-pieces, due to his height, elevation, ability to make attacking runs into the area, and his heading accuracy, as well as his powerful striking ability from distance, which even led manager Carlo Ancelotti to deploy him as a [[Forward (association football)#Centre-forward|centre forward]] on occasion. Throughout his career, he stood out for his leadership, as well as his stamina, versatility, tactical intelligence, and aggressive [[Tackle (football move)#Association football|tackling]]. Although Ambrosini primarily served as a ball winner, he was also known for his ability to start attacking plays after winning back possession, courtesy of his vision and passing range, despite his lack of notable technical skills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/squad/773600.stm|title=BBC Sport, Euro 2000 Profile: Massimo Ambrosini|publisher=BBC|access-date=19 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/4746336/Italy-Team-Details.html|title=Italy Team Details|newspaper=The Telegraph|author1=John Ley|date=9 June 2000|access-date=18 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2003/dicembre/19/Samp_consolati_Ecco_Ambrosini_ga_0_0312197529.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|title=Samp consolati Ecco Ambrosini|trans-title=Samp, console yourself Here's Ambrosini|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author=Carlo Laudisa|date=19 December 2003|access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1999/ottobre/29/Ambrosini_Gattuso_Milan_che_corre_ga_0_9910291795.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|title=Ambrosini e Gattuso, il Milan che corre|trans-title=Ambrosini and Gattuso, the Milan that runs|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author=Andrea Masala|date=29 October 1999|access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2007/ottobre/22/Ambrosini_centravanti_una_geniale_provocazione_co_9_071022109.shtml|title=Ambrosini centravanti, una geniale provocazione|trans-title=Ambrosini centre forward, an ingenious provocation|newspaper=[[Corriere della Sera]]|language=it|author=Alberto Costa|date=22 October 2007|access-date=17 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="glance">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1022803.stm|title=Italy squad at a glance|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 November 2015|date=14 November 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://temi.repubblica.it/nuovavenezia-europei2008/2008/05/23/massimo-ambrosini/|title=Massimo Ambrosini|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=23 May 2008|access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/euro2000/italy/player/Ambrosini.html|title=Profile: Massimo Ambrosini|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Gary M Prior|date=13 July 2000|access-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> Despite his ability as a midfielder, he often struggled with injuries throughout his career.<ref name="mediaset"/>
==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Massimo Ambrosini is married to an Italian woman, Paola Ambrosini.<ref name="Nel giorno del riposo rossonero">{{cite web|title=Nel giorno del riposo rossonero Ambrosini fa il veneziano e dice sì|author= |url=http://www.goal.com/it/news/459/gossip/2009/04/28/1234405/nel-giorno-del-riposo-rossonero-ambrosini-fa-il-veneziano-e-dice-|work=goal.com|publisher=Goal.com|accessdate=25 January 2013|language=Italian|date=28 April 2009}}</ref> Ambrosini has two children with his wife, his son Federico Ambrosini was born on 11 May 2009,<ref name="Milan Midfielder Massimo Ambrosini Becomes A Father">{{cite web|title=Milan Midfielder Massimo Ambrosini Becomes A Father|author=Vince Masiello |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/05/11/1258660/milan-midfielder-massimo-ambrosini-becomes-a-father|work=goal.com|publisher=Goal.com|accessdate=25 January 2013|language= |date=11 May 2009}}</ref> and his daughter Angelica Ambrosini was born on 21 November 2011.<ref name="Fiocco rosa in casa Ambrosini">{{cite web|title=Fiocco rosa in casa Ambrosini: è nata Angelica|author=Pietro Mazzara |url=http://milannews.it/?action=read&idnotizia=66653|work=milannews.it|publisher= |accessdate=25 January 2013|language=Italian|date=22 November 2011}}</ref>
Massimo Ambrosini is married to an Italian woman, Paola Ambrosini.<ref name="Nel giorno del riposo rossonero">{{cite web|title=Nel giorno del riposo rossonero Ambrosini fa il veneziano e dice sì|url=http://www.goal.com/it/news/459/gossip/2009/04/28/1234405/nel-giorno-del-riposo-rossonero-ambrosini-fa-il-veneziano-e-dice-|work=goal.com|access-date=25 January 2013|language=it|date=28 April 2009}}</ref> Ambrosini has two children with his wife, his son Federico Ambrosini was born on 11 May 2009,<ref name="Milan Midfielder Massimo Ambrosini Becomes A Father">{{cite web|title=Milan Midfielder Massimo Ambrosini Becomes A Father|author=Vince Masiello |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/05/11/1258660/milan-midfielder-massimo-ambrosini-becomes-a-father|work=goal.com|access-date=25 January 2013|date=11 May 2009}}</ref> and his daughter Angelica Ambrosini was born on 21 November 2011.<ref name="Fiocco rosa in casa Ambrosini">{{cite web|title=Fiocco rosa in casa Ambrosini: è nata Angelica|author=Pietro Mazzara |url=http://milannews.it/?action=read&idnotizia=66653|work=milannews.it|access-date=25 January 2013|language=it|date=22 November 2011}}</ref>
== Career statistics ==
== Career statistics ==
=== Club ===
=== Club ===
{{updated|27 March 2014}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Massimo Ambrosini|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/archive/roster_player/50/24|publisher=A.C. Milan|accessdate=17 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="NFT">{{cite web|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/3382/Massimo_Ambrosini.html|title=Massimo Ambrosini|publisher=www.national-football-teams.com|accessdate=23 May 2018}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{cite web|title=Massimo Ambrosini|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/archive/roster_player/50/24|publisher=A.C. Milan|access-date=17 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="NFT">{{cite web|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/3382/Massimo_Ambrosini.html|title=Massimo Ambrosini|publisher=national-football-teams.com|access-date=23 May 2018}}</ref>
|Serie A||16||3||3||1||7{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA ChampionsLeague]]|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||26||4
|20||1||3||1||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||3{{efn|Appearances in Supercoppa Italiana, [[UEFA Super Cup]], and [[Intercontinental Cup (football)|Intercontinental Cup]]}}||0||32||2
|-
|-
|[[2004–05 A.C. Milan season|2004–05]]
|[[2001–02 Serie A|2001–02]]
|Serie A||9||3||1||0||3{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Europa League]]|name=UEL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||13||3
|Serie A||33||4||0||0||7{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]|name=UCL}}||0||3{{efn|Appearances in [[FIFA Club World Cup]]|name=FCWC}}||0||43||4
* [[UEFA European Championship]] runner-up: [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]]<ref name=SW/>
* [[UEFA European Football Championship]] Runner-Up: [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]]
===Individual===
'''Individual'''
*A.C. Milan Hall of Fame<ref name="Hall of Fame">{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/massimo-ambrosini|title=A.C. Milan Hall of Fame: Massimo Ambrosini|publisher=A.C. Milan|accessdate=12 May 2017}}</ref>
*AC Milan Hall of Fame<ref name="Hall of Fame">{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/massimo-ambrosini|title=A.C. Milan Hall of Fame: Massimo Ambrosini|publisher=A.C. Milan|access-date=12 May 2017}}</ref>
===Orders===
'''Orders'''
:[[File:Cavaliere OMRI BAR.svg|left|50px]] 5th Class / Knight: ''[[List of Italian orders of knighthood|Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana]]'': (2000)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=78340 |title=Ambrosini Sig. Massimo – Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana |work=quirinale.it |accessdate=1 September 2010}}</ref>
:[[File:Cavaliere OMRI BAR.svg|left|50px]] 5th Class / Knight: ''[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana]]'': 2000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=78340 |title=Ambrosini Sig. Massimo – Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana |work=quirinale.it |access-date=1 September 2010}}</ref>
==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}
==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=1&pn=Massimo_Ambrosini FootballDatabase.com provides Ambrosini's profile and stats]
* [http://www.footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=1&pn=Massimo_Ambrosini FootballDatabase.com provides Ambrosini's profile and stats]
* [https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=177654/index.html FIFA Profile]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150927145635/http://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=177654/index.html FIFA Profile]
* [http://it.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=27139/profile/index.html UEFA Profile]
* [http://it.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=27139/profile/index.html UEFA Profile]
Massimo AmbrosiniCavaliere OMRI (Italian pronunciation:[ˈmassimoambroˈziːni]; born 29 May 1977) is an Italian former professional footballer who mainly played as a defensive midfielder. At club level, he is mostly known for his successful time at Italian team AC Milan, where he spent eighteen years of his career, winning several titles, and captained the side from 2009 to 2013 following the retirement of Paolo Maldini. Ambrosini retired from professional football in 2014, after a season with Fiorentina.
Ambrosini began his career with Cesena and graduated to their first team at the age of 17 during the 1994–95 season. AC Milan coach Fabio Capello then won the race to sign him the following year, and despite facing tough competition to break into the all-star Milan side, Ambrosini was given a handful of games as the team romped to the Serie A championship. Used in the 1996–97 season only sporadically, Ambrosini was sent on loan to Vicenza, where he was given a spot in the team's starting line-up almost immediately, and helped his team avoid relegation at the end of the season. He also reached the semi-final of UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Vicenza.[3] Recalled to the San Siro, Ambrosini at last made a first-team place his own as Milan won back the Serie A championship in 1999. A regular the following term, he then saw his chances limited by a troublesome knee injury before returning to full fitness to help Milan win the Coppa Italia (scoring in a 4–1 win in the first leg of the final over Roma)[4] and the UEFA Champions League during the 2002–03 season, where he replaced Rui Costa in the 87th minute of the final against Juventus, held at Old Trafford.
In 2003–04, although unable to establish himself as a first-team starter due to a series of niggling injuries and a loss of form, Ambrosini made 20 Serie A appearances – predominantly as a substitute – and scored one goal as Milan captured their 17th Serie A championship. In March 2005, he renewed his contract to June 2008.
In 2004–05, he struggled to break into Milan first team, making only made 22 Serie A appearances and scoring one goal. It is his late goal, however, that took Milan to the UEFA Champions League final. With Milan losing 2–0, a scoreline which would have sent the match to extra time as Milan defeated PSV with the same score in the San Siro, Ambrosini scored a header in second half injury time to bring the score to 2–1 and give Milan the 3–2 aggregate lead. PSV immediately responded with a goal of their own to tie the aggregate score at 3–3, but Milan advanced to the final on the away goals rule. Ambrosini, however, missed the final in Istanbul with yet another injury as Milan were defeated on penalties by Liverpool.
In 2005–06, he again suffered a series of injuries which limited him to just 13 Serie A appearances and one goal, thus making him out of contention for the Italian squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Ambrosini with Milan in May 2007
Unlike the previous seasons, 2006–07 became Ambrosini's late breakthrough as he had fully recovered from his recurring injuries. Although not an immediate starter at the beginning, following a series of stunning performances, he eventually made his way into the team's starting 11, prompting Carlo Ancelotti to change his preferred formation from 4–3–1–2 to 4–3–2–1 (alternatively, 4–4–1–1), in which he would play a left-sided defensive midfielder, in a role similar to that of Gennaro Gattuso responsible for winning back possession and passing the ball to either a deep-lying playmakerAndrea Pirlo or other attacking players. He scored two decisive goals in Serie A against Sampdoria and Atalanta, both with his head. He was also a key member to Milan's victory over Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League, balancing the game for Milan through his vision and leadership skills; his long pass from his team's half of the pitch to an unmarked striker Alberto Gilardino helped ensure Milan's eventual 3–0 victory as Gilardino scored a goal that drastically reduced Manchester United's chances of a comeback. This game also prompted Ambrosini to change his mind about leaving Milan due to lack of playing time and extend his contract until June 2010.
Ambrosini was Milan captain in the absence of Paolo Maldini throughout the 2007–08 campaign. In this campaign, Ambrosini scored four goals. He scored decisive goals against Palermo and Empoli, and played very well in the home leg of the Milan derby against Internazionale on 4 May 2008, setting up the second goal for teammate Kaká and putting in an excellent performance throughout the game, which Milan won 2–1. However, Milan had failed to earn 3 points in each single game leading up to a 4–1 win against Udinese on the final day of the season, thus finishing only in fifth place and qualifying for 2008–09 UEFA Cup instead of the desired Champions League.
During the 2008–09 campaign, Ambrosini was once again a regular fixture in the Milan starting lineup, making 26 appearances in the team's Serie A campaign. During a pre-seasonfriendly tournament against Juventus, Ambrosini was named Man of the Match as he netted twice to secure a Milan victory. His second goal was a superb effort into the roof of the net, past a bewildered Alex Manninger.
This season was also memorable for him as he had managed a season total of eight goals (one in the UEFA Cup), more than he has scored in any season in his career with Milan. The goals included a brilliant header off David Beckham's free kick against Lazio, and a well-placed goal in a 5–1 win over Torino. Ambrosini also scored his first double in a competitive fixture in a 3–2 loss to Roma during Paolo Maldini's final home game, and received a standing ovation from the home crowd despite being sent off by the referee for a second yellow card.
On 6 July 2009, as the Milan team reunited for pre-season training, Ambrosini was officially named club captain, inheriting the armband from Paolo Maldini. On 8 September 2009, he added one more year to his contract, extending his stay with the team at least until 2011.[5] He won the Serie A title in 2010–11 season with three games in hand, edging out city rivals Internazionale. On 19 May 2011, he signed a new, one-year contract.[6] After a disappointing second-place finish in the 2011–12 season and the departure of fellow team greats Filippo Inzaghi, Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, and Clarence Seedorf, Ambrosini was reported to be considering his future with the club, but Adriano Galliani was able to convince Massimo to sign yet another one-year deal and continue on to be the captain for Milan for the 2012–13 season. After a very rough start with several notable defeats, Milan eventually finished the season in the third place behind the defending champions Juventus and runners-up Napoli, securing a spot in the next season's Champions League qualification play-off.
On 11 June 2013, Milan CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed that the club had decided not to extend Ambrosini's expiring contract, thus ending his eighteen-year stay at Milan.
On 4 July 2013 Fiorentina confirmed on their official website that they had won the race to sign Ambrosini on a one-year deal, beating West Ham United who were also looking to sign him.[7] He made 30 appearances for Fiorentina in his first season with La Viola, helping the club to fourth place in Serie A. Massimo Ambrosini would announce on 21 May 2014 that he would be leaving Fiorentina after one season.
On 16 August 2006, Ambrosini earned his 23rd cap for Italy after almost two years of absence from the squad in a 2–0 friendly home defeat to Croatia; for this match, he was given the captain's armband by coach Roberto Donadoni in the absence of regular contenders for the armband.[14][15] He was then called up by the national side's manager to Italy's squad for UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland,[16] appearing in all four of his nation's matches throughout the tournament, as Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the tournament by eventual champions Spain, following a penalty shootout.[17] After Donadoni's dismissal, however, Lippi was put back in charge, and Ambrosini was no longer called up for Italy, despite putting in battling displays for Milan.[13] In total he made 35 appearances for Italy.[18]
A physically strong, tenacious, energetic, and hardworking box-to-box, central, or defensive midfielder, with a wide range of skills, Ambrosini was well regarded for his ability in the air, and was capable of being a goal-threat, in particular from set-pieces, due to his height, elevation, ability to make attacking runs into the area, and his heading accuracy, as well as his powerful striking ability from distance, which even led manager Carlo Ancelotti to deploy him as a centre forward on occasion. Throughout his career, he stood out for his leadership, as well as his stamina, versatility, tactical intelligence, and aggressive tackling. Although Ambrosini primarily served as a ball winner, he was also known for his ability to start attacking plays after winning back possession, courtesy of his vision and passing range, despite his lack of notable technical skills.[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Despite his ability as a midfielder, he often struggled with injuries throughout his career.[13]
Massimo Ambrosini is married to an Italian woman, Paola Ambrosini.[27] Ambrosini has two children with his wife, his son Federico Ambrosini was born on 11 May 2009,[28] and his daughter Angelica Ambrosini was born on 21 November 2011.[29]
^John Ley (9 June 2000). "Italy Team Details". The Telegraph. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
^Carlo Laudisa (19 December 2003). "Samp consolati Ecco Ambrosini" [Samp, console yourself Here's Ambrosini]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 25 May 2016.
^Andrea Masala (29 October 1999). "Ambrosini e Gattuso, il Milan che corre" [Ambrosini and Gattuso, the Milan that runs]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 25 May 2016.
