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Zdenek ZemanCzech football coach
Date of Birth: 12.05.1947
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Content:
- Biography of Zdenek Zeman
- Emigration and Italian Citizenship
- Early Coaching Career
- Rise to Prominence with Foggia
- "Zemaniana" and Innovation
- Lazio and Roma
- Later Career
- Legacy and Honors
Biography of Zdenek Zeman
Early Life and InfluencesZdenek Zeman was born on May 12, 1947, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. His father, Karel, was a doctor and his mother, Kvetuse Vychpálková, was a homemaker. Through his mother, he is the nephew of Cestmir Vychpálek, a renowned player and coach for Juventus, who instilled in young Zdenek a passion for football.
Emigration and Italian Citizenship
In 1968, Zeman and his sister Ermila, aided by his uncle, moved to Palermo, Italy, fleeing the Prague Spring. He obtained Italian citizenship in 1975 and married Chiara Perricone, with whom he had two children, Karel and Andrea. He also earned a diploma in sports medicine from ISEF Palermo with the highest honors.
Early Coaching Career
Zeman began his coaching career in amateur clubs such as Cinisi, Baciccalupo, Carini, Misilmeri, and Esacalza. In 1979, he obtained a temporary coaching license with the help of his uncle and coached the youth team of Palermo. He then enrolled in coaching courses in Sicily and took over as coach of Serie C2 club Licata, which he led to promotion to Serie B within a year.
Rise to Prominence with Foggia
After stints with Foggia (Serie C1) and Parma (Serie B), Zeman guided Foggia to promotion to Serie A in 1991. The team, known as "Foggia dei Miracoli" (Miracles of Foggia), quickly established itself as a formidable force in the top flight, with a prolific attack featuring Francesco Baiano, Giuseppe Signori, and Roberto Rambaudi.
"Zemaniana" and Innovation
Zeman implemented his signature 4-3-3 formation at Foggia, which he would later employ at all of his subsequent clubs. He introduced a brand of attacking, free-flowing football that became known as "Zemaniana." During his time at Foggia, he also discovered the talent of future Italy international Alessandro Nesta.
Lazio and Roma
Zeman was appointed as coach of Lazio in 1994, where he guided the club to second and third place finishes in Serie A, a semi-final in the Coppa Italia, and a quarterfinal in the UEFA Cup. However, he was dismissed in 1997 after a disappointing start to the 1996-1997 season. Zeman then took over at Roma, where he led the club to a fourth-place finish but was dismissed after a fifth-place finish the following season.
Later Career
Zeman coached several other Italian clubs, including Pescara, Napoli, Salernitana, Bari, and Lecce, as well as the Czech Republic national team. He is known for his attacking philosophy and his ability to develop young players.
Legacy and Honors
Zeman has been honored with a song by Antonello Venditti, "La coscienza di Zeman," and two books, "Il mister" and "Zeman. L'ultimo ribelle." His impact on Italian football has been significant, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential coaches of his generation.
