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Player profile: Romagnoli

Full name: Leandro Atilio Romagnoli

Position: Midfielder

Date of Birth: March 17, 1981

Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leandro Romagnoli is a twinkle-toed Argentinian who plays as a central or left-sided midfielder. His wafer-thin build, lack of height and playing style are reminiscent of legendary compatriot Osvaldo Ardiles. What Romagnoli lacks in physical strength he makes up for with superb dribbling ability and a razor sharp football brain.

Nicknamed ‘Pipi’, the slight midfielder came to prominence as part of the Argentina team that triumphed in the 2001 World Youth Cup. His impressive performances in the tournament were replicated for his club side, San Lorenzo, earning the young star a call-up to the senior national team, with many tipping the player to become Argentina’s next world superstar.

Two serious knee injuries thwarted his chances of living up to that billing, forcing him out of action for over a year. Two brief spells at Mexico’s Veracruz ensued, but difficulty in adapting to the different culture led to a transfer request.


Curiosity – The “New Maradona”
During his early ascension to stardom the Argentine press even dubbed Romagnoli the New Maradona, and the genius himself wrote of his young pretender in his autobiography: “The lad fascinates me. He lacks legs, physiche, muscles, everything, but he’s overflowing with courage to dribble his adversaries. The rest will come in the gymnasium.” Romagnoli followed Maradona’s advice and spent months in the gym building up his strength.


The Argentinian duly arrived at Sporting from Veracruz in January 2006, and initially found it difficult to adjust to the faster pace and more physical approach in Europe. Niggling injuries also held back his development and one year after arriving in Lisbon he looked set to re-sign for San Lorenzo, only for the deal fall through at the last minute. It signalled the turning point for the midfielder as coach Paulo Bento gave him an extended stint in the starting line-up and was repaid handsomely.

A superb end-of-season run saw Sporting win ten matches and draw one with Romagnoli an ever-present. While young Portuguese stars Nani, Joao Moutinho, Miguel Veloso, as well as the inevitable Liedson, grabbed most of the headlines, Romagnoli’s telling contributions were at least as important as the Lions lifted the Portuguese Cup and missed out on the title by just one point.

Creative role

Romagnoli is likely to be given more responsibility for organising Sporting’s offensive game in 2007/08 following the departure of Nani to Manchester United. Having gradually turned himself into Sporting’s creative inspiration, Pipi has promised he will add to his extravagantly tattooed body with a Lion - the emblem of the Lisbon club - if Sporting are crowned champions.

Should he add a touch more consistency to his often dazzling displays, a return to the Argentina team is not beyond the reach of this most cultured of footballers.

by Tom Kundert (03/08/2007)

CLUB APPEARANCES GOALS San Lorenzo 152 22 Veracruz 29 1 Sporting** 29 2       ARGENTINA 2 0

** Up to May 2007