Eugenio Bersellini (10 June 1936 – 17 September 2017) was an Italian professional football player and manager. Born in Borgo Val di Taro in what was then the Kingdom of Italy, he made his earliest mark as a player before becoming better known for a long coaching career. Over decades he became associated with tough training methods and careful team organisation that left a lasting impression on Italian club football. See also: football.

Playing career

Bersellini spent his playing years at clubs in Italy's professional leagues. His clubs included Brescia, Monza and Lecce, where he gained practical experience of the domestic game and its demands. While he did not achieve wide fame as a player, the time spent on the pitch shaped his later approach to coaching and player preparation.

Managerial career and style

After retiring as a player Bersellini moved into coaching and held managerial posts at a number of Italian clubs. Notable appointments included spells with Internazionale and Torino, as well as Como and other sides. He became known for strict discipline, an emphasis on physical conditioning and a pragmatic tactical approach. Supporters and colleagues sometimes referred to his rigorous methods by a nickname that reflected his firmness.

Notable aspects and legacy

  • Reputation: remembered for demanding training sessions and high fitness standards.
  • Versatility: worked across different levels of Italian football, from smaller clubs to major Serie A teams.
  • Influence: influenced several players and younger coaches who encountered his methods during his long career.

Throughout his life Bersellini remained associated with the Italian game and its culture of tactical discipline and hard work. He is often mentioned in histories and profiles of Italian football for the character he brought to coaching and for the number of clubs he served as manager.

Eugenio Bersellini died on 17 September 2017 in Prato, Italy, after an illness caused by pneumonia. His passing prompted tributes from several clubs and commentators who remembered his stern but effective approach to preparation and team building.