Morrone, with more than 400 appearances as a professional player in Italy, has also played for Cosenza, Empoli, Venezia, Palermo, Livorno and Latina, while his coaching career, which started at Parma, has taken him to Brescia, Sassuolo and also Sion in Switzerland.
In an exclusive interview with Tribalfootball, Morrone shared insights about his career, the teams he was a part of, and his coaching journey.
PLAY CAREER
What were the most important and challenging moments of your career?
“Yes, it is true that I have played for several teams and every experience has been wonderful. Of course Parma was the longest and most intense period, but Palermo and Livorno were also very important experiences for me.”
At Empoli you played alongside a real character in Marcelo Zalayeta…
“Yes, I had the chance to play with Marcelo at Empoli. He was a great striker, very strong and talented. He was a crucial player for us and his presence on the pitch was always felt.”
And speaking of characters, you were in Palermo when Maurizio Zamparini was president!
“For me, Palermo is a unique city, and those two years there were very important. We achieved good results during that period. Zamparini was a fantastic president who had a great relationship with the players, which made us all feel at home.”
How did you find Chievo and a dressing room with Marchegiani, Barzagli, Luciano, Perrotta, Amauri and Pellissier?
“I spent a year at Chievo and it was a very positive experience. I met great players and people, and the atmosphere was fantastic. It was a place where you could work in peace.”
And at Chievo you played for Luigi del Neri…
“Yes, I have had the pleasure of working with a great coach like Delneri. He was very detailed and well prepared, always focused on the smallest aspects of the game and our opponents.”
Then you worked at Livorno with one of the greats, Carlos Mazzone…
“Those two years at Livorno were wonderful and we even qualified for the UEFA Cup during that time. Carlo's time at Livorno was his last as a coach and it was fantastic. He was like a myth, a legend to us. I enjoyed every moment working with him.”
PARMA AND COACHING
Tell us a little about your relationship with Parma…
“Parma is like my second home. I still live there with my family. Becoming captain of such a historic team was a proud moment for me, but it also brought with it more responsibility. The fans and the city are fantastic, and I will always cherish my time there.”
At Parma you played for Francesco Guidolin and also alongside Panucci, Bojinov and Crespo…
“Guidolin was an exceptional coach, very detail oriented and very prepared. Playing with such talented players has taught me a lot, and their support during difficult moments was invaluable.”
What about Parma now back in Serie A?
“I always believed that Parma would return to Serie A. They have a great project and a great philosophy, with a good coach like Pecchia and talented players. Their performance was strong, even if they missed out on some of the points they deserved.”
You also had a break from coaching at Parma. But where do you think you've learned the most so far?
“Every experience teaches you something new and helps you grow as a coach. For me it was particularly important to work as Fabio Grosso's assistant at Frosinone. Fabio has a clear philosophy and I learned a lot from him.”
FORMER CLUBS AND FUTURE
How do you think Empoli and Venezia will perform in Serie A this season?
“Empoli is having a great season with a solid structure and a clear philosophy. Venezia, on the other hand, has some very talented young players and a coach like Di Francesco, who guides them well. They play without fear and deliver excellent performances.”
And what about the future, Stefano? Are you currently coaching in the Ternana youth system?
“I am very happy at Ternana. The club provides excellent support and we have created a fantastic group. It has been an enriching experience so far.
“My focus is on becoming a better coach without setting boundaries or putting pressure on myself. I am ambitious and excited about what the future holds.”
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