An unforgettable memory for the Italians and the French, but not for the same reasons. July 9, 2006. Olympic Stadium in Berlin. World Cup Final. Fabio Grosso faces Fabien Barthez during the penalty shootout. If he scores, the Squadra Azzurra wins its fourth star. With determination, the left side takes his momentum and catapults the ball into the top corner of the “Divin Chauve”, who started on the other side. The Nazionale exults and comes to celebrate its coronation with the last shooter, one of the heroes of the evening. It’s definitely one of the best moments of his playing career.
A year after his World Champion title, Fabio Grosso left Inter Milan – just one year after his arrival – to join Olympique Lyonnais, dominator in Ligue 1 for several seasons and a stronghold of European football. Alongside Grégory Coupet, Juninho, and Karim Benzema, the Italian won the Champions Trophy, the French championship – Les Gones’ seventh in a row – and the Coupe de France in 2007-2008.
His second season in the Rhone jersey will be much less prolific. Eliminated in the round of 16 of the Champions League, the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue, Claude Puel and his men finished in a “disappointing” third place in Ligue 1, behind the Girondins de Bordeaux and Olympique. from Marseille. At the end of this exercise, Fabio Grosso returns to Italy by joining Juventus Turin. Overall, he left very good memories in the Rhône, where he played 78 matches in all competitions. His experience in Lyon allowed him, among other things, to learn (to improve?) his French; important point for the task that awaits him on the bench.
During his eighteen years at the highest level, Fabio Grosso stood out for his beautiful left paw, his ability to repeat races…but also for his state of mind. “He was always attentive to the atmosphere in our group. He had a winning mentality and very intelligent thinking about the game, explained his former teammate at Olympique Lyonnais, Juninho, in the columns of L’Équipe. We already felt that later he would get into coaching. I hope he will be able to bring rigor back into the locker room in Lyon, that’s the most important thing.” This mentality is perhaps what Les Gones need to get back on their feet.
At the end of his playing career, Fabio Grosso embraced a coaching career. After cutting his teeth in the youth teams of Juventus Turin, he had various (short) experiences as a main technician (SSC Bari, Hellas Verona, Brescia Calcio, FC Sion) which were, overall, mixed. In March 2021, Frosinone Calcio placed its trust in him. And it is with the Canarini that he shines most. In 2022-2023, he won (easily) Serie B, while offering offensive play (63 goals scored), and thus allowed the Lazio club to return to Serie A. Despite the rise (and the title of champion of second division), the ex-defender finally leaves the Yellow and Blue at the end of his contract.
If he appears (often) cheerful and friendly, Fabio Grosso also knows how to raise his voice and be respected. As proof, in November 2019, just appointed head of Brescia Calcio (Serie B) – where he only stayed for a short month – the Italian technician did not hesitate to dismiss Mario Balotelli, the star of club, during training, reproaching him for his lack of involvement. “Mario, go away! Go away!”, he allegedly told her, according to the Italian press. The former Manchester City striker reportedly complied, returning to the locker room without a word. Olympique Lyonnais players have been warned: they will have to increase intensity during their work sessions.