Francesco Rocca

Who is Francesco Rocca?

Francesco Rocca is an Italian professional football coach and former player, who was the coach of the Italy national under-20 football team from 2008 until 2011.

Born in the San Vito Romano village 40 km from Rome, he played his club football exclusively for AS Roma from 1972 to 1981. He was nicknamed was "Kawasaki" because of his work rate and durability in the full-back position. Rocca played 163 games for Roma, including 141 games in Serie A and 22 in the Coppa Italia cup, but did not score any goals for the club. He played 18 games for the Italy national football team from 1974 to 1976, and scored a goal for Italy against the United States national soccer team. At the age of 26, a serious injury forced Rocca to retire.

As a manager, Rocca managed Italy to a fourth place at the 1988 Summer Olympics. He also led U-19 team finished as the runner-up in 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. After the tournament he changed to coach U-20 team, led his boys to 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

He is one of eleven members of Hall of Fame of A.S. Roma.