| fullname = Cristian Zaccardo<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |title=2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: List of Players: Italy |publisher=FIFA |page=15 |date=21 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610174527/https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>
| fullname = Cristian Zaccardo<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |title=2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: List of Players: Italy |publisher=FIFA |page=15 |date=21 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610174527/https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|12|21|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|12|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Formigine]], Italy
| birth_place = [[Formigine]], Italy
| height = 1.84 m
| height = 1.84 m
| position = [[Defender (association football)|Defender]], [[Midfielder]]
| position = [[Defender (association football)|Defender]], [[Midfielder]]
{{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Under-21 Championship]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|2004 Germany]]|}}
}}
}}
'''Cristian Zaccardo''' {{postnominals|post-noms=[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Ufficiale OMRI]]}}<ref>[https://www.fifa.com/en/organisation/president/index/0,4095,129202,00.html?articleid=129202 FIFA.com]{{dead link|date=October 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>[http://www.ascotsportal.com/news/newsdtl.aspx?PID=89262e2c-3beb-4080-bd5e-949f498ecbcc&CID=4ca0fc99-f8bf-4260-b379-ee5bca3085eb&NID=e47baa4d-fe98-4feb-a0ff-a007b8e62e87 AscotSportal.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928185818/http://www.ascotsportal.com/news/newsdtl.aspx?PID=89262e2c-3beb-4080-bd5e-949f498ecbcc&CID=4ca0fc99-f8bf-4260-b379-ee5bca3085eb&NID=e47baa4d-fe98-4feb-a0ff-a007b8e62e87 |date=28 September 2007 }}</ref> ({{IPA-it|ˈkristjan dzakˈkardo}}; born 21 December 1981) is an [[Italians|Italian]] former [[Association football|footballer]] who played as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]]. He mainly played as a [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|centre back]], although he was also capable of playing as a [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|full-back]] or in [[Midfielder|midfield]].
'''Cristian Zaccardo''' {{postnominals|post-noms=[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Ufficiale OMRI]]}}<ref>[https://www.fifa.com/en/organisation/president/index/0,4095,129202,00.html?articleid=129202 FIFA.com]{{dead link|date=October 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>[http://www.ascotsportal.com/news/newsdtl.aspx?PID=89262e2c-3beb-4080-bd5e-949f498ecbcc&CID=4ca0fc99-f8bf-4260-b379-ee5bca3085eb&NID=e47baa4d-fe98-4feb-a0ff-a007b8e62e87 AscotSportal.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928185818/http://www.ascotsportal.com/news/newsdtl.aspx?PID=89262e2c-3beb-4080-bd5e-949f498ecbcc&CID=4ca0fc99-f8bf-4260-b379-ee5bca3085eb&NID=e47baa4d-fe98-4feb-a0ff-a007b8e62e87 |date=28 September 2007 }}</ref> ({{IPA|it|ˈkristjan dzakˈkardo}}; born 21 December 1981) is an [[Italians|Italian]] former [[Association football|footballer]] who played as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]]. He mainly played as a [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|centre back]], although he was also capable of playing as a [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|full-back]] or in [[Midfielder|midfield]].
He began his club career with Italian club [[Bologna F.C. 1909|Bologna]] in 2000, and remained with the club until 2004, aside from a loan spell with [[Spezia Calcio 1906|Spezia]]. He subsequently moved to [[U.S. Città di Palermo|Palermo]], where he came to prominence during his four seasons at the club. In 2008, he moved to German club [[VfL Wolfsburg]] for a season, where he won the [[2008–09 Bundesliga]] title. He returned to Italy the following season, joining [[Parma F.C.|Parma]], and in 2013 he moved to [[A.C. Milan|Milan]], before joining [[Carpi F.C. 1909|Carpi]] in 2015; he spent the 2016–17 season on loan with [[Vicenza Calcio|Vicenza]] in [[Serie B]]. In October 2017, he joined [[Maltese Premier League]] side [[Ħamrun Spartans F.C.|Ħamrun Spartans]]. In January 2019, he signed with San Marinese club [[S.P. Tre Fiori|Tre Fiori]], where he won the [[Coppa Titano]], before announcing his retirement in July.
He began his club career with Italian club [[Bologna F.C. 1909|Bologna]] in 2000, and remained with the club until 2004, aside from a loan spell with [[Spezia Calcio 1906|Spezia]]. He subsequently moved to [[U.S. Città di Palermo|Palermo]], where he came to prominence during his four seasons at the club. In 2008, he moved to German club [[VfL Wolfsburg]] for a season, where he won the [[2008–09 Bundesliga]] title. He returned to Italy the following season, joining [[Parma F.C.|Parma]], and in 2013 he moved to [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]], before joining [[Carpi F.C. 1909|Carpi]] in 2015; he spent the 2016–17 season on loan with [[Vicenza Calcio|Vicenza]] in [[Serie B]]. In October 2017, he joined [[Maltese Premier League]] side [[Ħamrun Spartans F.C.|Ħamrun Spartans]]. In January 2019, he signed with San Marinese club [[S.P. Tre Fiori|Tre Fiori]], where he won the [[Coppa Titano]], before announcing his retirement in July.
At international level, he represented the [[Italy national football team]] on 17 occasions between 2004 and 2007, scoring one goal; he was a member of the Italian side that won the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]].
At international level, he represented the [[Italy national football team]] on 17 occasions between 2004 and 2007, scoring one goal; he was a member of the Italian side that won the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]].
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After a season spent in Germany at [[VfL Wolfsburg]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bundesliga.de/en/liga/news/2007/index.php?f=93703.php&fla=1 |title=Wolfsburg sign a world-class player |publisher=Bundesliga.de |date=9 May 2008 |access-date=21 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512152630/http://www.bundesliga.de/en/liga/news/2007/index.php?f=93703.php&fla=1 |archive-date=12 May 2008}}</ref> in which he helped the club to its first ever [[2008–09 Bundesliga|Bundesliga]] title, he rejoined Guidolin at [[Parma F.C.|Parma]] in August 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fcparma.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2006:zaccardo-al-parma&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924011123/http://www.fcparma.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2006%3Azaccardo-al-parma&catid=1%3Anews&Itemid=2 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=Zaccardo al Parma |publisher=[[Parma F.C.]] |date=29 August 2009 |access-date=30 August 2009 |language=it}}</ref> In his three-and-a-half seasons with the side, Zaccardo appeared in 118 league matches and scored ten goals.
After a season spent in Germany at [[VfL Wolfsburg]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bundesliga.de/en/liga/news/2007/index.php?f=93703.php&fla=1 |title=Wolfsburg sign a world-class player |publisher=Bundesliga.de |date=9 May 2008 |access-date=21 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512152630/http://www.bundesliga.de/en/liga/news/2007/index.php?f=93703.php&fla=1 |archive-date=12 May 2008}}</ref> in which he helped the club to its first ever [[2008–09 Bundesliga|Bundesliga]] title, he rejoined Guidolin at [[Parma F.C.|Parma]] in August 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fcparma.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2006:zaccardo-al-parma&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924011123/http://www.fcparma.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2006%3Azaccardo-al-parma&catid=1%3Anews&Itemid=2 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=Zaccardo al Parma |publisher=[[Parma F.C.]] |date=29 August 2009 |access-date=30 August 2009 |language=it}}</ref> In his three-and-a-half seasons with the side, Zaccardo appeared in 118 league matches and scored ten goals.
On 24 January 2013, Zaccardo was signed by [[A.C. Milan|Milan]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/breaking_news_show/35933 |title=ZACCARDO PROUD TO JOIN MILAN |publisher=[[A.C. Milan]] |date=24 January 2013 |access-date=25 January 2013}}</ref> part of a cashless swap in which [[Djamel Mesbah]] moved to Parma.<ref>[http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2013/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_13.pdf 2013 bilancio] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071627/http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2013/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_13.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} AC Milan {{in lang|it}}</ref> Towards the end of the 2014 summer transfer window, Milan had a deal in place with Parma in which him and [[Jonathan Biabiany]] would swap clubs, but the former refused the move. On 1 February 2015, Zaccardo scored his first goal for Milan in a 3–1 home win against Parma.
On 24 January 2013, Zaccardo was signed by [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/breaking_news_show/35933 |title=ZACCARDO PROUD TO JOIN MILAN |publisher=[[A.C. Milan]] |date=24 January 2013 |access-date=25 January 2013}}</ref> part of a cashless swap in which [[Djamel Mesbah]] moved to Parma.<ref>[http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2013/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_13.pdf 2013 bilancio] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071627/http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2013/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_13.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} AC Milan {{in lang|it}}</ref> Towards the end of the 2014 summer transfer window, Milan had a deal in place with Parma in which him and [[Jonathan Biabiany]] would swap clubs, but the former refused the move. On 1 February 2015, Zaccardo scored his first goal for Milan in a 3–1 home win against Parma.
On the expiration of his Milan contract in the summer of 2015, Zaccardo moved to recently promoted Serie A side [[Carpi F.C. 1909|Carpi]] on a free transfer. He signed a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.carpifc.com/news-prima-squadra/ufficiale-cristian-zaccardo-e-biancorosso/|title=UFFICIALE: CRISTIAN ZACCARDO E' BIANCOROSSO|date=2015|orig-year=circa|publisher=Carpi F.C. 1909|language=it|access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref> He made 27 appearances for the club during the 2015–16 Serie A season, scoring one goal,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/calcio-mercato/2016/08/31-14943127/calciomercato_carpi_zaccardo_va_al_vicenza/|title=Calciomercato Carpi, Zaccardo va al Vicenza|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=31 August 2016|access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref> although Carpi were ultimately relegated to Serie B at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.modenatoday.it/sport/udinese-carpi-1-2-tabellino-cronaca-pagelle-15-maggio-2016.html|title=Udinese Carpi 1 - 2 – Non basta l'ultimo acuto dei biancorossi: è retrocessione|publisher=Modena Today|language=it|author1=Stefano Castellitto|date=15 May 2016|access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref>
On the expiration of his Milan contract in the summer of 2015, Zaccardo moved to recently promoted Serie A side [[Carpi F.C. 1909|Carpi]] on a free transfer. He signed a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.carpifc.com/news-prima-squadra/ufficiale-cristian-zaccardo-e-biancorosso/|title=UFFICIALE: CRISTIAN ZACCARDO E' BIANCOROSSO|date=2015|orig-year=circa|publisher=Carpi F.C. 1909|language=it|access-date=17 July 2017|archive-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813192505/http://www.carpifc.com/news-prima-squadra/ufficiale-cristian-zaccardo-e-biancorosso/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He made 27 appearances for the club during the 2015–16 Serie A season, scoring one goal,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/calcio-mercato/2016/08/31-14943127/calciomercato_carpi_zaccardo_va_al_vicenza/|title=Calciomercato Carpi, Zaccardo va al Vicenza|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=31 August 2016|access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref> although Carpi were ultimately relegated to Serie B at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.modenatoday.it/sport/udinese-carpi-1-2-tabellino-cronaca-pagelle-15-maggio-2016.html|title=Udinese Carpi 1 - 2 – Non basta l'ultimo acuto dei biancorossi: è retrocessione|publisher=Modena Today|language=it|author1=Stefano Castellitto|date=15 May 2016|access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref>
On 31 August 2016, Zaccardo was signed by fellow [[2016–17 Serie B|Serie B]] club [[Vicenza Calcio]] on loan with an obligation to buy.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.carpifc.com/news-prima-squadra/mercato-zaccardo-al-vicenza/|title=Mercato: Zaccardo al Vicenza|date=2016|orig-year=circa|access-date=18 July 2017|publisher=Carpi F.C. 1909|language=it|archive-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813192548/http://www.carpifc.com/news-prima-squadra/mercato-zaccardo-al-vicenza/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vicenzacalcio.com/cristian-zaccardo-e-biancorosso/|title=Cristian Zaccardo è biancorosso|date=31 August 2016|access-date=13 September 2016|publisher=Vicenza Calcio|language=it|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107053709/http://www.vicenzacalcio.com/cristian-zaccardo-e-biancorosso/|archive-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> According to ''La Gazzetta dello Sport'', he signed a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/29-08-2016/zaccardo-riparte-b-c-intesa-il-vicenza-160981832768.shtml|title=Zaccardo riparte dalla B: c'è l'intesa con il Vicenza|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=29 August 2016|access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref> He wore the [[Squad number (association football)|number 9 shirt]] for the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vicenzacalcio.com/numeri-maglia-9-zaccardo-14-smith-e-17-esposito/|title=Numeri maglia: 9 Zaccardo, 14 Smith e 17 Esposito|publisher=Vicenza Calcio|language=it|date=1 September 2016|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905093727/http://www.vicenzacalcio.com/numeri-maglia-9-zaccardo-14-smith-e-17-esposito/|archive-date=5 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/calcio/da-zaccardo-a-de-guzman-tutti-i-numeri-piu-strani_1116524-201602a.shtml|title=Da Zaccardo a De Guzman, tutti i numeri più strani|publisher=www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it|language=it|date=2 September 2016|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref> On 13 July 2017, he announced that he had cancelled his contract with the club, becoming a free agent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-c/esclusiva-tmw-vicenza-zaccardo-a-addio-il-difensore-ha-risolto-il-contratto-994191|title=ESCLUSIVA TMW - Vicenza-Zaccardo, è addio: il difensore ha risolto il contratto|publisher=www.tuttomercatoweb.com|language=it|author1=Alessio Alaimo|date=13 July 2017|access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/calcio-mercato/2017/07/17-28044772/zaccardo_si_propone_su_linkedin_chi_mi_prende_fa_un_affare/|title=Zaccardo si propone su Linkedin: "Chi mi prende fa un affare"|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=17 July 2017|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref>
On 31 August 2016, Zaccardo was signed by fellow [[2016–17 Serie B|Serie B]] club [[Vicenza Calcio]] on loan with an obligation to buy.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.carpifc.com/news-prima-squadra/mercato-zaccardo-al-vicenza/|title=Mercato: Zaccardo al Vicenza|date=2016|orig-year=circa|access-date=18 July 2017|publisher=Carpi F.C. 1909|language=it|archive-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813192548/http://www.carpifc.com/news-prima-squadra/mercato-zaccardo-al-vicenza/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vicenzacalcio.com/cristian-zaccardo-e-biancorosso/|title=Cristian Zaccardo è biancorosso|date=31 August 2016|access-date=13 September 2016|publisher=Vicenza Calcio|language=it|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107053709/http://www.vicenzacalcio.com/cristian-zaccardo-e-biancorosso/|archive-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> According to ''La Gazzetta dello Sport'', he signed a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/29-08-2016/zaccardo-riparte-b-c-intesa-il-vicenza-160981832768.shtml|title=Zaccardo riparte dalla B: c'è l'intesa con il Vicenza|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=29 August 2016|access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref> He wore the [[Squad number (association football)|number 9 shirt]] for the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vicenzacalcio.com/numeri-maglia-9-zaccardo-14-smith-e-17-esposito/|title=Numeri maglia: 9 Zaccardo, 14 Smith e 17 Esposito|publisher=Vicenza Calcio|language=it|date=1 September 2016|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905093727/http://www.vicenzacalcio.com/numeri-maglia-9-zaccardo-14-smith-e-17-esposito/|archive-date=5 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/calcio/da-zaccardo-a-de-guzman-tutti-i-numeri-piu-strani_1116524-201602a.shtml|title=Da Zaccardo a De Guzman, tutti i numeri più strani|publisher=www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it|language=it|date=2 September 2016|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref> On 13 July 2017, he announced that he had cancelled his contract with the club, becoming a free agent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-c/esclusiva-tmw-vicenza-zaccardo-a-addio-il-difensore-ha-risolto-il-contratto-994191|title=ESCLUSIVA TMW - Vicenza-Zaccardo, è addio: il difensore ha risolto il contratto|publisher=www.tuttomercatoweb.com|language=it|author1=Alessio Alaimo|date=13 July 2017|access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/calcio-mercato/2017/07/17-28044772/zaccardo_si_propone_su_linkedin_chi_mi_prende_fa_un_affare/|title=Zaccardo si propone su Linkedin: "Chi mi prende fa un affare"|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=17 July 2017|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref>
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In October, he was signed by [[Maltese Premier League]] side [[Ħamrun Spartans F.C.|Ħamrun Spartans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todaysport.it/2017/10/04/zaccardo-gioca-malta-firma-gli-Ħamrun-spartans-linkedin-funzionato_84862/|title=LinkedIn ha funzionato: Zaccardo trova una squadra a Malta|publisher=www.todaysport.it|language=it|author=Alessandro Iannelli|date=4 October 2017|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/esteri/2017/10/05/news/zaccardo_riparte_da_malta_grazie_a_linkedin-177423478/|title=Zaccardo riparte dall'Ħamrun: a Malta grazie a LinkedIn|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=5 October 2017|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref> On 20 May 2018, he announced that he would be leaving the club,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.corrieredimalta.com/sport/zaccardo-dice-addio-allhamrun-spartans/ |title=Cristian Zaccardo dice addio all'Hamrun Spartans |publisher=Il Corriere di Malta |language=it |author1=Giovanni Guarise |date=20 May 2018 |access-date=1 February 2019 }}</ref> and later became a free agent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itasportpress.it/calcio/zaccardo-stuzzica-cr7-e-messi-io-ho-vinto-il-mondiale/?intcmp=zaccardo-messi |title=Zaccardo stuzzica CR7 e Messi: "Io ho vinto il Mondiale…" |publisher=www.itasportpress.it |language=it |date=17 November 2018 |access-date=1 February 2019 }}</ref> In December, he obtained his Sporting Director diploma through the [[Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano|Coverciano]] Technical Centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.figc.it/it/tecnici/news/direttore-sportivo-tutti-i-nomi-degli-allievi-diplomati-al-corso-di-coverciano/ |title=Direttore Sportivo: tutti i nomi degli allievi diplomati al corso di Coverciano |publisher=FIGC |language=it |date=6 December 2018 |access-date=1 February 2019 }}</ref>
In October, he was signed by [[Maltese Premier League]] side [[Ħamrun Spartans F.C.|Ħamrun Spartans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todaysport.it/2017/10/04/zaccardo-gioca-malta-firma-gli-Ħamrun-spartans-linkedin-funzionato_84862/|title=LinkedIn ha funzionato: Zaccardo trova una squadra a Malta|publisher=www.todaysport.it|language=it|author=Alessandro Iannelli|date=4 October 2017|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/esteri/2017/10/05/news/zaccardo_riparte_da_malta_grazie_a_linkedin-177423478/|title=Zaccardo riparte dall'Ħamrun: a Malta grazie a LinkedIn|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=5 October 2017|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref> On 20 May 2018, he announced that he would be leaving the club,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.corrieredimalta.com/sport/zaccardo-dice-addio-allhamrun-spartans/ |title=Cristian Zaccardo dice addio all'Hamrun Spartans |publisher=Il Corriere di Malta |language=it |author1=Giovanni Guarise |date=20 May 2018 |access-date=1 February 2019 }}</ref> and later became a free agent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itasportpress.it/calcio/zaccardo-stuzzica-cr7-e-messi-io-ho-vinto-il-mondiale/?intcmp=zaccardo-messi |title=Zaccardo stuzzica CR7 e Messi: "Io ho vinto il Mondiale…" |publisher=www.itasportpress.it |language=it |date=17 November 2018 |access-date=1 February 2019 }}</ref> In December, he obtained his Sporting Director diploma through the [[Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano|Coverciano]] Technical Centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.figc.it/it/tecnici/news/direttore-sportivo-tutti-i-nomi-degli-allievi-diplomati-al-corso-di-coverciano/ |title=Direttore Sportivo: tutti i nomi degli allievi diplomati al corso di Coverciano |publisher=FIGC |language=it |date=6 December 2018 |access-date=1 February 2019 }}</ref>
In January 2019, he stated in an interview that he had been linked with several clubs, including his former team Bologna and Canadian side [[Toronto FC]], and that if he did not receive an offer from a team by May, that he would retire from professional football.<ref name="posticipo1">{{cite web |url=http://www.ilposticipo.it/interviste/zaccardo-linkedin-per-cercare-squadra-litalia-non-e-pronta-se-non-avessi-fatto-lautogol-al-mondiale/?intcmp=zaccardo-parlante |title=Zaccardo: "LinkedIn per cercare squadra? L'Italia non è pronta. Se non avessi fatto l'autogol al Mondiale…" |publisher=Il Posticipo |language=it |author1=Simone Lo Giudice |date=25 January 2019 |access-date=1 February 2019 }}</ref> On 31 January 2019, Zaccardo announced on [[facebook]] that he had signed with San Marinese club [[S.P. Tre Fiori|Tre Fiori]], but that he would be joining the team in March.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pianetamilan.it/news-milan/zaccardo-niente-ritiro-ha-firmato-per-il-tre-fiori/ |title=Zaccardo, niente ritiro: ha firmato per il Tre Fiori |publisher=www.pianetamilan.it |language=it |author1=Donato Bulfon |date=31 January 2019 |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202041831/http://www.pianetamilan.it/news-milan/zaccardo-niente-ritiro-ha-firmato-per-il-tre-fiori/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He won the [[Coppa Titano]] with the club. On 9 July 2019, exactly 13 years after he won the World Cup with Italy, he announced his retirement from professional football on [[Instagram]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/nazionali/09-07-2019/italia-campioni-del-mondo-zaccardo-si-ritira-barza-stand-by-6-panchina-solo-buffon-resiste-campo-340724552398.shtml |title=Zaccardo si ritira, Barza in stand by, 6 in panchina e solo Buffon resiste in campo |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |date=9 July 2019 |language=it |access-date=10 July 2019 }}</ref>
In January 2019, he stated in an interview that he had been linked with several clubs, including his former team Bologna and Canadian side [[Toronto FC]], and that if he did not receive an offer from a team by May, that he would retire from professional football.<ref name="posticipo1">{{cite web |url=http://www.ilposticipo.it/interviste/zaccardo-linkedin-per-cercare-squadra-litalia-non-e-pronta-se-non-avessi-fatto-lautogol-al-mondiale/?intcmp=zaccardo-parlante |title=Zaccardo: "LinkedIn per cercare squadra? L'Italia non è pronta. Se non avessi fatto l'autogol al Mondiale…" |publisher=Il Posticipo |language=it |author1=Simone Lo Giudice |date=25 January 2019 |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-date=3 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203110442/http://www.ilposticipo.it/interviste/zaccardo-linkedin-per-cercare-squadra-litalia-non-e-pronta-se-non-avessi-fatto-lautogol-al-mondiale/?intcmp=zaccardo-parlante |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 31 January 2019, Zaccardo announced on [[facebook]] that he had signed with San Marinese club [[S.P. Tre Fiori|Tre Fiori]], but that he would be joining the team in March.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pianetamilan.it/news-milan/zaccardo-niente-ritiro-ha-firmato-per-il-tre-fiori/ |title=Zaccardo, niente ritiro: ha firmato per il Tre Fiori |publisher=www.pianetamilan.it |language=it |author1=Donato Bulfon |date=31 January 2019 |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202041831/http://www.pianetamilan.it/news-milan/zaccardo-niente-ritiro-ha-firmato-per-il-tre-fiori/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He won the [[Coppa Titano]] with the club. On 9 July 2019, exactly 13 years after he won the World Cup with Italy, he announced his retirement from professional football on [[Instagram]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/nazionali/09-07-2019/italia-campioni-del-mondo-zaccardo-si-ritira-barza-stand-by-6-panchina-solo-buffon-resiste-campo-340724552398.shtml |title=Zaccardo si ritira, Barza in stand by, 6 in panchina e solo Buffon resiste in campo |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |date=9 July 2019 |language=it |access-date=10 July 2019 }}</ref>
==International career==
==International career==
Zaccardo represented the [[Italy national under-17 football team|Italy under-16 squad]] (equivalent to the current [[Italy national under-17 football team|under-17 team]]) at the age of 15, also taking part in the [[1998 UEFA European Under-16 Championship]] held in Scotland. During the tournament, he scored the decisive goal in the semi-final which allowed Italy to progress to the final of the tournament, where they were defeated by the [[Republic of Ireland national under-16 football team|Republic of Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cristianzaccardo.it/life.html|title=Life|website=cristianzaccardo.it|access-date=16 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020220732/http://cristianzaccardo.it/life.html|archive-date=20 October 2006 }}</ref> In 2001, he was a member of the Italian under-23 team that won a silver medal at the [[2001 Mediterranean Games|Mediterranean Games]] held in [[Tunis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cristianzaccardo.it/life3.html|title=Life|website=cristianzaccardo.it|access-date=16 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060506054007/http://www.cristianzaccardo.it/life3.html|archive-date=6 May 2006 }}</ref> Zaccardo has also represented Italy at [[Italy national under-21 football team|under-21]] level, winning the [[2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship]] under manager [[Claudio Gentile]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/42207|title=FINALE EUROPEO UNDER 21: L'ULTIMA VITTORIA 9 ANNI FA CON 3 MILANISTI|website=acmilan.com|publisher=A.C. Milan|language=it|date=18 June 2013|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092939/http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/42207|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="vivoazzurro">{{cite web|url=http://vivoazzurro.it/news/auguri-a-cristian-zaccardo-che-compie-34-anni/|title=Auguri a Cristian Zaccardo che compie 34 anni!|publisher=VivoAzzurro.it|language=it|date=21 December 2015|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref>
Zaccardo represented the [[Italy national under-17 football team|Italy under-16 squad]] (equivalent to the current [[Italy national under-17 football team|under-17 team]]) at the age of 15, also taking part in the [[1998 UEFA European Under-16 Championship]] held in Scotland. During the tournament, he scored the decisive goal in the semi-final which allowed Italy to progress to the final of the tournament, where they were defeated by the [[Republic of Ireland national under-16 football team|Republic of Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cristianzaccardo.it/life.html|title=Life|website=cristianzaccardo.it|access-date=16 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020220732/http://cristianzaccardo.it/life.html|archive-date=20 October 2006 }}</ref> In 2001, he was a member of the Italian under-23 team that won a silver medal at the [[2001 Mediterranean Games|Mediterranean Games]] held in [[Tunis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cristianzaccardo.it/life3.html|title=Life|website=cristianzaccardo.it|access-date=16 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060506054007/http://www.cristianzaccardo.it/life3.html|archive-date=6 May 2006 }}</ref> Zaccardo has also represented Italy at [[Italy national under-21 football team|under-21]] level, winning the [[2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship]] under manager [[Claudio Gentile]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/42207|title=FINALE EUROPEO UNDER 21: L'ULTIMA VITTORIA 9 ANNI FA CON 3 MILANISTI|website=acmilan.com|publisher=A.C. Milan|language=it|date=18 June 2013|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092939/http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/42207|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="vivoazzurro">{{cite web|url=http://vivoazzurro.it/news/auguri-a-cristian-zaccardo-che-compie-34-anni/|title=Auguri a Cristian Zaccardo che compie 34 anni!|publisher=VivoAzzurro.it|language=it|date=21 December 2015|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref>
Zaccardo made his senior international debut for [[Italy national football team|Italy]] under [[Marcello Lippi]] on 17 November 2004 in Italy's 1–0 home friendly victory over [[Finland national football team|Finland]].<ref name="Esordio azzurro con la Finlandia">{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2006/05/24/esordio-azzurro-con-la-finlandia.html|title=Esordio azzurro con la Finlandia|website=repubblica.it|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=24 May 2006|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> He began to be deployed with more frequency, and on 8 October 2005, he scored his first and only international goal in a 1–0 home win over [[Slovenia national football team|Slovenia]] in [[Palermo]] in a [[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 5|2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match]]; the victory allowed Italy to qualify for the upcoming [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2005/10_Ottobre/08/partita.shtml|title=Zaccardo gol, Italia al Mondiale|website=gazzetta.it|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Diego Antonelli|date=8 October 2005|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> Zaccardo was included in Italy's 23-man roster for the tournament,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/05/sezioni/sport/calcio/nazionale/conferenza-stampa-lippi/conferenza-stampa-lippi/conferenza-stampa-lippi.html|title=Lippi ha fiducia, nonostante tutto Convocato Buffon: "E' sereno"|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=15 May 2006|access-date=20 January 2017}}</ref> and made three appearances in the final competition. He started the first two matches of the group stage,<ref name=figc>{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1818&squadra=1|title=Zaccardo, Cristian: Convocazioni e presenze in campo|website=figc.it|publisher=FIGC|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> helping Italy keep a clean sheet in their opening 2–0 win over [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]] on 12 June,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4852746.stm |title=BBC SPORT | Football | World Cup 2006 | Italy 2–0 Ghana |work=BBC News |date= 12 June 2006|access-date=28 June 2012}}</ref> but he scored an [[own goal]] off an attempted clearance following a free-kick in the ''azzurri's'' second match on 17 June, which ended in a 1–1 draw against the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]]; this was one of only two goals Italy conceded throughout the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/06/speciale/altri/2006mondialipartite/italia-stati-uniti/italia-stati-uniti.html|title=Italia-Usa: la guerra che non si voleva Pari con 3 espulsi. Qualificazione rinviata|website=repubblica.it|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=17 June 2006|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> He made one more appearance, his third during the tournament, coming on as a substitute in Italy's 3–0 win over [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] in the quarter-finals on 30 June,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/06/speciale/altri/2006mondialipartite/ucraina-italia/ucraina-italia.html|title=La difesa era perfetta, ora anche l'attacco Doppietta Toni, Ucraina sconfitta|website=repubblica.it|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=30 June 2006|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> as Italy went on to win the 2006 World Cup.<ref name="vivoazzurro"/> Due to his mistake during the World Cup, he was often overlooked by the national team since the tournament's conclusion, and only made two more appearances under [[Roberto Donadoni]]. He made his final appearance for Italy in a 2–0 friendly win over [[South Africa national football team|South Africa]] on 17 October 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/partita.asp?d=17/10/2007|title=Italia-Sudafrica: 2-0|website=italia1910.com|language=it|date=17 October 2007|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> In total, Zaccardo made 17 appearances for Italy between 2004 and 2007, scoring one goal.<ref name=figc/>
Zaccardo made his senior international debut for [[Italy national football team|Italy]] under [[Marcello Lippi]] on 17 November 2004 in Italy's 1–0 home friendly victory over [[Finland national football team|Finland]].<ref name="Esordio azzurro con la Finlandia">{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2006/05/24/esordio-azzurro-con-la-finlandia.html|title=Esordio azzurro con la Finlandia|website=repubblica.it|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=24 May 2006|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> He began to be deployed with more frequency, and on 8 October 2005, he scored his first and only international goal in a 1–0 home win over [[Slovenia national football team|Slovenia]] in [[Palermo]] in a [[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 5|2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match]]; the victory allowed Italy to qualify for the upcoming [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2005/10_Ottobre/08/partita.shtml|title=Zaccardo gol, Italia al Mondiale|website=gazzetta.it|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Diego Antonelli|date=8 October 2005|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> Zaccardo was included in Italy's 23-man roster for the tournament,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/05/sezioni/sport/calcio/nazionale/conferenza-stampa-lippi/conferenza-stampa-lippi/conferenza-stampa-lippi.html|title=Lippi ha fiducia, nonostante tutto Convocato Buffon: "E' sereno"|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=15 May 2006|access-date=20 January 2017}}</ref> and made three appearances in the final competition. He started the first two matches of the group stage,<ref name=figc>{{cite web|url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1818&squadra=1|title=Zaccardo, Cristian: Convocazioni e presenze in campo|website=figc.it|publisher=FIGC|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104537/http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1818&squadra=1|url-status=dead}}</ref> helping Italy keep a clean sheet in their opening 2–0 win over [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]] on 12 June,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4852746.stm |title=BBC SPORT | Football | World Cup 2006 | Italy 2–0 Ghana |work=BBC News |date= 12 June 2006|access-date=28 June 2012}}</ref> but he scored an [[own goal]] off an attempted clearance following a free-kick in the ''azzurri's'' second match on 17 June, which ended in a 1–1 draw against the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]]; this was one of only two goals Italy conceded throughout the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/06/speciale/altri/2006mondialipartite/italia-stati-uniti/italia-stati-uniti.html|title=Italia-Usa: la guerra che non si voleva Pari con 3 espulsi. Qualificazione rinviata|website=repubblica.it|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=17 June 2006|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> He made one more appearance, his third during the tournament, coming on as a substitute in Italy's 3–0 win over [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] in the quarter-finals on 30 June,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2006/06/speciale/altri/2006mondialipartite/ucraina-italia/ucraina-italia.html|title=La difesa era perfetta, ora anche l'attacco Doppietta Toni, Ucraina sconfitta|website=repubblica.it|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=30 June 2006|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> as Italy went on to win the 2006 World Cup.<ref name="vivoazzurro"/> Due to his mistake during the World Cup, he was often overlooked by the national team since the tournament's conclusion, and only made two more appearances under [[Roberto Donadoni]]. He made his final appearance for Italy in a 2–0 friendly win over [[South Africa national football team|South Africa]] on 17 October 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.italia1910.com/partita.asp?d=17/10/2007|title=Italia-Sudafrica: 2-0|website=italia1910.com|language=it|date=17 October 2007|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> In total, Zaccardo made 17 appearances for Italy between 2004 and 2007, scoring one goal.<ref name=figc/>
==Style of play==
==Style of play==
A quick, tactically versatile, and hard-working right-footed footballer, in his prime, Zaccardo was known in particular for his stamina, professionalism, and positional sense as a footballer, as well as his intelligence, versatility, and his strong mental and physical characteristics, which enabled him to play in several positions in [[Defender (association football)|defence]] and [[Midfielder|midfield]] along the right flank throughout his career, despite not being the most accurate [[Cross (football)|crosser]] of the ball. Although he was primarily a right-sided [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|full-back]], he was also capable of playing as a [[Defender (association football)#Wing-back|wing-back]], or in midfield, as a [[Midfielder#Winger|winger]], or even as a [[Midfielder#Central midfielder|central]] or [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]], a role in which he was also capable of starting attacking plays after winning back possession; during his time at Parma, his manager, Francesco Guidolin, described him as a "centromediano metodista" (a term which was initially used to describe the position of a [[Midfielder#Centre-half|centre-half]]-back in the ''[[Formation (association football)#Metodo (2–3–2–3)|Metodo]]'' or 2–3–2–3 formation, but which later became used in Italian football jargon to describe a holding midfielder with both creative and defensive responsibilities), due to his unique playing style in this position, which essentially also saw him act both as a ball-winner and as a [[Playmaker#Deep-lying playmakers|deep-lying playmaker]] in midfield. As he has lost his pace with age in his later career, he has usually been deployed as a [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|centre-back]], in both a three or four-man defence, due to his anticipation and ability in the air.<ref name="posticipo1"/><ref name="Esordio azzurro con la Finlandia"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parmaonline.info/?q=content/zaccardo-da-formigine-alla-champions-passando-per-berlino|title=Zaccardo: da Formigine alla Champions, passando per Berlino|publisher=ParmaOnline|language=it|date=25 January 2013|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://parma.repubblica.it/dettaglio/guidolin-obiettivo-salvezza-soddisfazione-per-il-mercato/1710914?refresh_ce|title=Guidolin, "obiettivo salvezza" soddisfazione per il mercato|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=3 September 2009|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ilposticipo.it/interviste/zaccardo-linkedin-per-cercare-squadra-litalia-non-e-pronta-se-non-avessi-fatto-lautogol-al-mondiale/?intcmp=zaccardo-parlante |title=Zaccardo: "LinkedIn per cercare squadra? L'Italia non è pronta. Se non avessi fatto l'autogol al Mondiale…" |publisher=www.ilposticipo.it |language=it |author1=Simone Lo Giudice |date=25 January 2019 |access-date=26 January 2019 }}</ref><ref name="ritiri e regista">{{cite news |url=https://www.corriere.it/sport/cards/mezzo-secolo-senza-vittorio-pozzo-mitico-discusso-ct-che-cambio-calcio-italiano/ritiri-regista.shtml |title=Mezzo secolo senza Vittorio Pozzo, il mitico (e discusso) c.t. che cambiò il calcio italiano: Ritiri e regista |work=Il Corriere della Sera |language=it |last1=Radogna |first1=Fiorenzo |page=8 |date=20 December 2018 |access-date=15 April 2020 }}</ref>
A quick, tactically versatile, and hard-working right-footed footballer, in his prime, Zaccardo was known in particular for his stamina, professionalism, and positional sense as a footballer, as well as his intelligence, versatility, and his strong mental and physical characteristics, which enabled him to play in several positions in [[Defender (association football)|defence]] and [[Midfielder|midfield]] along the right flank throughout his career, despite not being the most accurate [[Cross (football)|crosser]] of the ball. Although he was primarily a right-sided [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|full-back]], he was also capable of playing as a [[Defender (association football)#Wing-back|wing-back]], or in midfield, as a [[Midfielder#Winger|winger]], or even as a [[Midfielder#Central midfielder|central]] or [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]], a role in which he was also capable of starting attacking plays after winning back possession; during his time at Parma, his manager, Francesco Guidolin, described him as a "centromediano metodista" (a term which was initially used to describe the position of a [[Midfielder#Centre-half|centre-half]]-back in the ''[[Formation (association football)#Metodo (2–3–2–3)|Metodo]]'' or 2–3–2–3 formation, but which later became used in Italian football jargon to describe a holding midfielder with both creative and defensive responsibilities), due to his unique playing style in this position, which essentially also saw him act both as a ball-winner and as a [[Playmaker#Deep-lying playmakers|deep-lying playmaker]] in midfield. As he has lost his pace with age in his later career, he has usually been deployed as a [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|centre-back]], in both a three or four-man defence, due to his anticipation and ability in the air.<ref name="posticipo1"/><ref name="Esordio azzurro con la Finlandia"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parmaonline.info/?q=content/zaccardo-da-formigine-alla-champions-passando-per-berlino|title=Zaccardo: da Formigine alla Champions, passando per Berlino|publisher=ParmaOnline|language=it|date=25 January 2013|access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://parma.repubblica.it/dettaglio/guidolin-obiettivo-salvezza-soddisfazione-per-il-mercato/1710914?refresh_ce|title=Guidolin, "obiettivo salvezza" soddisfazione per il mercato|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=3 September 2009|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-date=4 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204203259/https://parma.repubblica.it/dettaglio/guidolin-obiettivo-salvezza-soddisfazione-per-il-mercato/1710914?refresh_ce|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ilposticipo.it/interviste/zaccardo-linkedin-per-cercare-squadra-litalia-non-e-pronta-se-non-avessi-fatto-lautogol-al-mondiale/?intcmp=zaccardo-parlante |title=Zaccardo: "LinkedIn per cercare squadra? L'Italia non è pronta. Se non avessi fatto l'autogol al Mondiale…" |publisher=www.ilposticipo.it |language=it |author1=Simone Lo Giudice |date=25 January 2019 |access-date=26 January 2019 |archive-date=3 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203110442/http://www.ilposticipo.it/interviste/zaccardo-linkedin-per-cercare-squadra-litalia-non-e-pronta-se-non-avessi-fatto-lautogol-al-mondiale/?intcmp=zaccardo-parlante |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="ritiri e regista">{{cite news |url=https://www.corriere.it/sport/cards/mezzo-secolo-senza-vittorio-pozzo-mitico-discusso-ct-che-cambio-calcio-italiano/ritiri-regista.shtml |title=Mezzo secolo senza Vittorio Pozzo, il mitico (e discusso) c.t. che cambiò il calcio italiano: Ritiri e regista |work=Il Corriere della Sera |language=it |last1=Radogna |first1=Fiorenzo |page=8 |date=20 December 2018 |access-date=15 April 2020 }}</ref>
==Personal life==
==Personal life==
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==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==
===Club===
===Club===
{{updated|11July2015}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://int.soccerway.com/players/cristian-zaccardo/65/ | title= Italy – C. Zaccardo |work=soccerway.com |access-date=26 September 2012}}</ref>
{{updated|7 September 2023}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://int.soccerway.com/players/cristian-zaccardo/65/ | title= Italy – C. Zaccardo |work=soccerway.com |access-date=26 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2018–19 Campionato Sammarinese di Calcio|2018–19]]
|[[Campionato Sammarinese di Calcio|Campionato]]
[[Campionato Sammarinese di Calcio|Sammarinese di Calcio]]
|17
|1
|3
|1
|—
|—
|20
|2
|-
! colspan="2" |Career total
!
!480||27||31||1||22||3||533||31
|}
|}
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===International===
===International===
{{updated|17 October 2007}}<ref name=figc/>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!colspan="3"|[[Italy national football team|Italy national team]]
!colspan="3"|[[Italy national football team|Italy national team]]<ref name=figc/>
|-
|-
!Year!!Apps!!Goals
!Year!!Apps!!Goals
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===International===
===International===
'''Italy U-21'''<ref name=SW/>
*[[UEFA European Under-21 Championship]]: [[2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|2004]]
'''Italy'''<ref name=SW/>
'''Italy'''<ref name=SW/>
*[[FIFA World Cup]]: [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006]]
*[[FIFA World Cup]]: [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006]]
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* {{Cite web |url=http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/en/0607/scheda.jsp?id=1637 |title=Zaccardo's profile (from US Palermo official website) |access-date=11 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222150/http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/en/0607/scheda.jsp?id=1637 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
* {{Cite web |url=http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/en/0607/scheda.jsp?id=1637 |title=Zaccardo's profile (from US Palermo official website) |access-date=11 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222150/http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/en/0607/scheda.jsp?id=1637 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
He began his club career with Italian club Bologna in 2000, and remained with the club until 2004, aside from a loan spell with Spezia. He subsequently moved to Palermo, where he came to prominence during his four seasons at the club. In 2008, he moved to German club VfL Wolfsburg for a season, where he won the 2008–09 Bundesliga title. He returned to Italy the following season, joining Parma, and in 2013 he moved to AC Milan, before joining Carpi in 2015; he spent the 2016–17 season on loan with Vicenza in Serie B. In October 2017, he joined Maltese Premier League side Ħamrun Spartans. In January 2019, he signed with San Marinese club Tre Fiori, where he won the Coppa Titano, before announcing his retirement in July.
At international level, he represented the Italy national football team on 17 occasions between 2004 and 2007, scoring one goal; he was a member of the Italian side that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
A product of the Bologna youth system, Zaccardo was promoted to the first team in 2000, but was sent on loan to Spezia for the 2000–01 season. He made his debut in Serie A and for the Bologna first team on 18 October 2001, in a 1–0 away defeat against Lecce, under the direction of coach Francesco Guidolin; he subsequently immediately became a regular for the rossoblu and Italy's under-21 national team. He left Bologna in 2004 to join his former coach Guidolin in Palermo. He was a regular starter for Palermo, and made his breakthrough with the club, appearing in 142 league matches and scoring eight goals.
After a season spent in Germany at VfL Wolfsburg,[4] in which he helped the club to its first ever Bundesliga title, he rejoined Guidolin at Parma in August 2009.[5] In his three-and-a-half seasons with the side, Zaccardo appeared in 118 league matches and scored ten goals.
On 24 January 2013, Zaccardo was signed by AC Milan,[6] part of a cashless swap in which Djamel Mesbah moved to Parma.[7] Towards the end of the 2014 summer transfer window, Milan had a deal in place with Parma in which him and Jonathan Biabiany would swap clubs, but the former refused the move. On 1 February 2015, Zaccardo scored his first goal for Milan in a 3–1 home win against Parma.
On the expiration of his Milan contract in the summer of 2015, Zaccardo moved to recently promoted Serie A side Carpi on a free transfer. He signed a two-year contract.[8] He made 27 appearances for the club during the 2015–16 Serie A season, scoring one goal,[9] although Carpi were ultimately relegated to Serie B at the end of the season.[10]
On 31 August 2016, Zaccardo was signed by fellow Serie B club Vicenza Calcio on loan with an obligation to buy.[11][12] According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he signed a two-year contract.[13] He wore the number 9 shirt for the team.[14][15] On 13 July 2017, he announced that he had cancelled his contract with the club, becoming a free agent.[16][17]
In October, he was signed by Maltese Premier League side Ħamrun Spartans.[18][19] On 20 May 2018, he announced that he would be leaving the club,[20] and later became a free agent.[21] In December, he obtained his Sporting Director diploma through the Coverciano Technical Centre.[22]
In January 2019, he stated in an interview that he had been linked with several clubs, including his former team Bologna and Canadian side Toronto FC, and that if he did not receive an offer from a team by May, that he would retire from professional football.[23] On 31 January 2019, Zaccardo announced on facebook that he had signed with San Marinese club Tre Fiori, but that he would be joining the team in March.[24] He won the Coppa Titano with the club. On 9 July 2019, exactly 13 years after he won the World Cup with Italy, he announced his retirement from professional football on Instagram.[25]
Zaccardo made his senior international debut for Italy under Marcello Lippi on 17 November 2004 in Italy's 1–0 home friendly victory over Finland.[30] He began to be deployed with more frequency, and on 8 October 2005, he scored his first and only international goal in a 1–0 home win over Slovenia in Palermo in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match; the victory allowed Italy to qualify for the upcoming 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.[31] Zaccardo was included in Italy's 23-man roster for the tournament,[32] and made three appearances in the final competition. He started the first two matches of the group stage,[33] helping Italy keep a clean sheet in their opening 2–0 win over Ghana on 12 June,[34] but he scored an own goal off an attempted clearance following a free-kick in the azzurri's second match on 17 June, which ended in a 1–1 draw against the United States; this was one of only two goals Italy conceded throughout the tournament.[35] He made one more appearance, his third during the tournament, coming on as a substitute in Italy's 3–0 win over Ukraine in the quarter-finals on 30 June,[36] as Italy went on to win the 2006 World Cup.[29] Due to his mistake during the World Cup, he was often overlooked by the national team since the tournament's conclusion, and only made two more appearances under Roberto Donadoni. He made his final appearance for Italy in a 2–0 friendly win over South Africa on 17 October 2007.[37] In total, Zaccardo made 17 appearances for Italy between 2004 and 2007, scoring one goal.[33]
A quick, tactically versatile, and hard-working right-footed footballer, in his prime, Zaccardo was known in particular for his stamina, professionalism, and positional sense as a footballer, as well as his intelligence, versatility, and his strong mental and physical characteristics, which enabled him to play in several positions in defence and midfield along the right flank throughout his career, despite not being the most accurate crosser of the ball. Although he was primarily a right-sided full-back, he was also capable of playing as a wing-back, or in midfield, as a winger, or even as a central or defensive midfielder, a role in which he was also capable of starting attacking plays after winning back possession; during his time at Parma, his manager, Francesco Guidolin, described him as a "centromediano metodista" (a term which was initially used to describe the position of a centre-half-back in the Metodo or 2–3–2–3 formation, but which later became used in Italian football jargon to describe a holding midfielder with both creative and defensive responsibilities), due to his unique playing style in this position, which essentially also saw him act both as a ball-winner and as a deep-lying playmaker in midfield. As he has lost his pace with age in his later career, he has usually been deployed as a centre-back, in both a three or four-man defence, due to his anticipation and ability in the air.[23][30][38][39][40][41]
Zaccardo is married to Alessia Serafini.[42] Zaccardo and his wife have two children, Niccolò and Ginevra Zaccardo.[42]
Zaccardo has the names of his two children Niccolò and Ginevra tattooed on his left arm, while on his right arm he has a tattoo of his wife Alessia Serafini.[43] On 6 March 2008, Zaccardo became an honorary citizen of Pollina, in the province of Palermo.[43]
^"Zaccardo al Parma" (in Italian). Parma F.C. 29 August 2009. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
Slovenia
