Marco Simone
Marco Simone (born 7 January 1969) is an Italian professional football manager and former player, renowned for his tenure as a versatile forward and winger, particularly with AC Milan during the 1990s.[1][2] Simone began his professional career in Italy's lower divisions with Virescit Alzano and Como before joining AC Milan in 1989 at the behest of manager Arrigo Sacchi.[3] Over eight seasons with the Rossoneri, spanning 1989 to 1997 and a brief return in 2001–2002, he made 260 appearances and scored 75 goals, often featuring as a second striker alongside legends like Marco van Basten, Roberto Baggio, and George Weah.[3] His contributions were instrumental in Milan's dominance, helping the club secure four Serie A titles (1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96), two UEFA Champions League/European Cup victories (1989–90, 1993–94), two Intercontinental Cups (1989, 1990), three UEFA Super Cups (1989, 1990, 1994), and three Italian Supercups (1992, 1993, 1994).[3] Known for his quick turns, clinical finishing, and memorable goals—such as his debut strike in the 1989–90 European Cup against Mechelen—Simone became a fan favorite despite often playing in the shadow of star teammates.[3] In Serie A alone, he appeared in 177 matches for Milan, netting 49 goals.[3] After leaving Milan in 1997, Simone moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he played until 1999, then joined AS Monaco (1999–2001), with a brief loan return to Milan in 2001–02, followed by another season at Monaco (2002–03), OGC Nice (2003–05), and Pisa (2005–06), where he retired at age 37.[4] He added 50 goals in 140 Ligue 1 appearances across PSG, Monaco, and Nice.[5] Overall, Simone amassed over 500 professional appearances and more than 150 goals, including 55 in 213 Serie A matches.[4] Internationally, he earned four caps for the Italy national team between 1994 and 1995, without scoring.[6] Transitioning to coaching after retirement, Simone has managed clubs across Europe and beyond, including AS Monaco, Tours, Laval, and Châteauroux in France; Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland; Club Africain in Tunisia; Ratchaburi Mitr Phol in Thailand; and Mohammédia in Morocco. Since 2025, he has been the manager of Monaco United, a women's football club in Monaco.[7][8] His managerial roles have emphasized tactical versatility, drawing from his experience in high-stakes environments at Milan.Playing career
Early career
Marco Simone was born on 7 January 1969 in Castellanza, a town in the province of Varese, Italy. He developed his early footballing skills in the youth academy of Como 1907, where he honed his abilities as a forward during his teenage years.[9] Simone made his professional debut in Serie A with Como on 11 January 1987, at the age of 18, appearing as a substitute in a 0–0 home draw against Empoli.[10] Over the 1986–1987 season, his opportunities were limited to just two appearances without scoring, reflecting the challenges faced by a young striker breaking into a senior squad competing in Italy's top division.[11] To gain more playing time and experience, Simone was loaned to Virescit Boccaleone in Serie C1 for the 1987–1988 season. There, he thrived, making 33 appearances and scoring 15 goals, which earned him the title of top scorer in Girone A.[12][13] This prolific spell marked a crucial step in his transition from youth to senior football, building his confidence and reputation as an emerging talent despite the step down in league level.[3] Returning to Como for the 1988–1989 Serie A campaign, Simone featured more prominently, recording 34 appearances and 6 goals, which helped solidify his path toward higher-profile opportunities.[14] Overall, during his formative years at Como from 1986 to 1989, he accumulated 36 Serie A appearances and 6 goals, navigating the initial hurdles of physical demands and competition for places as a burgeoning forward.[14]AC Milan
Marco Simone joined AC Milan in 1989 following a successful loan spell at Como, where his goal-scoring prowess and quick turns caught the attention of manager Arrigo Sacchi.[3] During his first spell from 1989 to 1997, he made 177 appearances in Serie A, scoring 49 goals, while accumulating 75 goals across 260 games in all competitions.[15][3] Integrated into a star-studded squad under Sacchi and later Fabio Capello, Simone adapted to the high-pressure environment of one of Europe's elite clubs by serving as a versatile second striker, often providing support and creativity in attack.[16] His relationships with teammates like Marco van Basten, Paolo Maldini, and Franco Baresi were instrumental, as he complemented their styles in a cohesive unit emphasizing tactical discipline and fluid play.[17] Simone's contributions peaked in key seasons, notably the 1993–94 campaign, where he played a pivotal role in AC Milan's UEFA Champions League triumph, featuring in seven matches and scoring two goals en route to the 4–0 final victory over Barcelona.[14] The following 1994–95 Serie A season saw him emerge as the team's top scorer with 21 goals across all competitions, including 17 in the league, helping Milan secure the title through his clinical finishing and movement off the ball.[3] These performances underscored his value as a reliable squad player in Milan's dominant era, thriving amidst intense competition for places. In 2001, Simone returned to AC Milan on loan from AS Monaco for a brief second spell lasting until 2002, where he appeared in nine matches and scored one goal as a squad player.[11] His solitary contribution came in the Coppa Italia, netting against Lazio in what would be his final goal for the club.[18] This short return allowed him to reconnect with the Rossoneri environment but was marked by limited playing time amid a competitive forward line.Later career
In 1997, after limited playing time on the AC Milan bench during the 1996–97 season, Marco Simone transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in search of more consistent opportunities abroad.[16] Over two seasons in Ligue 1 (1997–98 and 1998–99), he made 59 league appearances and scored 22 goals, adapting to the league's quicker tempo while contributing significantly to the team's attacking play.[11] Seeking to continue his resurgence, Simone joined AS Monaco in 1999 for his first stint, where he played a starring role in the club's 1999–2000 Ligue 1 title-winning campaign, netting 21 goals across 34 league matches that season.[19] Through 2001, he accumulated 64 league appearances and 28 goals for Monaco, forming a potent partnership with forwards like David Trezeguet.[11] Following a brief return to Milan in 2001–02, Simone rejoined Monaco for a second spell in 2002–03, but his involvement diminished to just 5 league appearances with no goals, hampered by age-related decline and persistent injuries at age 33.[11] In 2004, Simone moved to OGC Nice for a short tenure, registering 7 league appearances without scoring as he grappled with waning form and fitness issues.[20] He announced his retirement later that year at age 35, though he made a nostalgic one-match comeback with hometown Serie C2 side Legnano in 2005–06 near Castellanza, before officially retiring in 2006 at 37.[21]International career
Simone began his international career with the Italy under-21 national team, where he featured prominently between 1988 and 1990, accumulating 16 appearances and scoring 7 goals as a key contributor in youth internationals.[22] He made his senior debut for the Italy national team on 19 December 1992, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 away victory over Malta during a 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Over the course of his senior international tenure from 1992 to 1996, Simone earned a total of 4 caps, all in friendlies or qualifiers, without scoring any goals; his subsequent appearances included matches against Ukraine (3–1 win, Euro 1996 qualifier, 11 November 1995), Lithuania (4–0 win, Euro 1996 qualifier, 15 November 1995), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (1–2 loss, friendly, 6 November 1996).[11] Simone's limited call-ups to the senior team stemmed primarily from intense competition for forward positions with established players such as Giuseppe Signori and Pierluigi Casiraghi, compounded by injuries and inconsistencies in his club form that affected national team selections.[2] Despite his notable success at club level with AC Milan, including multiple league titles and European triumphs, Simone's international opportunities remained underutilized, with his last cap occurring in 1996.[11]Style of play
Marco Simone was a diminutive forward, standing at 170 cm tall and weighing 68 kg, yet his compact build contributed to exceptional agility and speed that enabled him to execute quick turns and effective dribbling against taller defenders.[4][23][3] His positional versatility allowed him to thrive as a second striker, winger, or support forward, characterized by intelligent off-the-ball movement and precise finishing that complemented attacking partners.[24][25] Simone's technical prowess shone through in his dribbling, passing accuracy, and shooting, while his vision facilitated key assists in fluid attacking transitions.[25] He also posed a notable threat from set pieces, leveraging his technique to contribute to scoring opportunities.[2] Despite these attributes, Simone's height limited his aerial presence, making him less effective in contests for high balls.[4] In later years, occasional injuries further impacted his consistency.[26] Tactically, he excelled in AC Milan's 4-4-2 system under Fabio Capello, where his role emphasized link-up play between midfield and forwards, facilitating cohesive build-up and support for the main striker.[27][28]Managerial career
AS Monaco
Marco Simone was appointed head coach of AS Monaco in Ligue 2 on 12 September 2011, replacing Laurent Banide following a poor start to the season that left the club in the relegation zone.[29] This marked Simone's debut in senior management, leveraging his prior playing connections with the club where he had featured as a forward from 1999 to 2001.[2] His arrival came amid high expectations for promotion back to Ligue 1, supported by significant investments from new ownership. During his tenure, which lasted until 19 May 2012, Simone oversaw 34 matches, guiding Monaco to an 8th-place finish in the league with a points-per-match average of 1.50.[30] Influenced by his own career as an attacking player at clubs like AC Milan, Simone implemented a style emphasizing offensive play to revitalize the squad, focusing on fluid forward movements and quick transitions.[2] Key to this approach were strategic winter signings such as midfielder Vladimir Koman from Sampdoria, who added creativity in midfield, alongside the integration of youth prospects like defender Tristan Dingomé from the academy, promoting a blend of experience and emerging talent to build squad depth.[31] Simone was sacked on 19 May 2012, despite achieving a solid mid-table position, as the club deemed the failure to secure promotion unacceptable given the resources available.[32] The decision paved the way for Claudio Ranieri's appointment, who successfully led Monaco to promotion the following season.Lausanne-Sport
Simone joined FC Lausanne-Sport on 7 November 2013 as technical director, assuming an interim role to stabilize the squad during a dismal start to the 2013–14 Swiss Super League season, where the team languished in last place with just one win from 14 matches.[33][34] He appointed Henri Atamaniuk as head coach to oversee the on-field efforts, focusing on defensive reinforcements and team cohesion amid the relegation battle. Despite these interventions, Lausanne-Sport ended the campaign with a 7–3–26 record, earning 24 points and finishing 10th, resulting in relegation to the Swiss Challenge League.[35] Simone returned to a head coaching position on 13 October 2014, replacing Francesco Gabriele at the helm of the newly relegated Challenge League side.[36] In his 13-match stint through 24 March 2015, he achieved 4 wins, 2 draws, and 7 losses, yielding 1.08 points per match while the team hovered in mid-table positions. Efforts centered on shoring up defensive frailties—evident in 23 goals conceded against 14 scored—but yielded inconsistent outcomes.[37] His prior experience managing AS Monaco informed the tactical setup, yet the club dismissed him after a string of defeats, with Lausanne-Sport sitting seventh in the standings.[38] The two brief spells underscored broader instability at the club, marked by short tenures and challenges in achieving sustained progress in Swiss football.[30]Tours and Laval
In July 2015, Marco Simone was appointed manager of FC Tours in Ligue 2, signing a two-year contract with the club.[39] Over the 2015–2016 season, he oversaw 44 matches across all competitions, achieving a points per match average of 1.34.[40] Tours finished ninth in the Ligue 2 standings with 47 points from 38 league games.[41] Despite this mid-table position, Simone departed at the end of his first season amid ongoing conflicts with the club's management, despite having a year remaining on his contract; he later won a labor tribunal case against Tours for abusive dismissal, resulting in compensation exceeding €200,000 for him and his staff.[42][43] Following a brief period out of management, Simone returned to Ligue 2 on 8 November 2016, taking over at Stade Laval, who sat 18th in the table at the time of his appointment on a two-year deal.[44] In his 21 matches in charge across all competitions, he recorded a points per match of 1.05. Although an initial push saw Laval climb away from the relegation zone, a run of poor results left the team in last place by early April 2017, leading to his dismissal on 11 April due to the club's ongoing fight against relegation.[45][46] Both stints highlighted the transitional challenges in Ligue 2, where limited budgets constrained squad investments and long-term planning at clubs like Tours and Laval.[43] Simone's approach drew on defensive principles from his prior Swiss experience at Lausanne-Sport to emphasize organization and counter-attacks, while prioritizing youth integration amid financial restrictions.[42]Club Africain
Marco Simone was appointed head coach of Tunisian club Club Africain on 15 July 2017, signing a two-year contract with the historic Ligue Professionnelle 1 side.[47] His arrival marked the Italian's first venture into African football management, following prior experience in France and Switzerland.[48] During his tenure, which lasted until 23 November 2017, Simone oversaw 10 matches across the domestic league and the CAF Confederation Cup, achieving a points per match (PPM) average of 1.10.[47] The team struggled with early inconsistencies, including a mix of wins, draws, and losses that left Club Africain in 12th place in the league standings after disappointing results in the opening months.[49] These performances, marked by a failure to secure consistent victories despite some positive outings, contributed to mounting pressure on Simone.[50] Simone's departure was announced as an amicable separation after four months, amid reports of ongoing challenges in implementing his vision for the squad.[51] In the aftermath, Simone pursued legal action through FIFA for breach of contract, ultimately winning a ruling that compelled Club Africain to pay him €630,000 in compensation in July 2019.[52] This resolution highlighted the contractual disputes that arose from the premature end to his stint in Tunis.Ratchaburi Mitr Phol and Mohammédia
In March 2019, Marco Simone was appointed as manager of Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC in Thailand's Thai League 1, taking over a mid-table side struggling for consistency early in the season.[30] Over his tenure from 25 March to 17 July 2019, he oversaw 18 matches, securing 8 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses, which equated to a points-per-match average of 1.50 and helped stabilize the team in the middle of the standings. Simone departed by mutual agreement at the end of his contract, citing a desire to return to European football despite the club's initial reluctance.[53] Following his exit from Ratchaburi, Simone quickly moved to Morocco, signing with SC Chabab Mohammédia in the second-tier Botola 2 on 24 July 2019 to lead their promotion campaign.[54] In his four months at the club, ending with his dismissal on 11 November 2019, Simone implemented a structured approach emphasizing defensive organization and quick transitions, drawing from his playing experience at AC Milan.[30] Under his guidance, Mohammédia surged to the top of the Botola 2 table after eight matches, positioning them strongly for promotion to the top flight.[55] Simone's brief spells in Asia and North Africa highlighted his adaptability to diverse football environments, where he focused on instilling disciplined training regimens amid cultural differences in player motivation and tactical expectations.[56] However, both tenures were curtailed prematurely: at Ratchaburi due to the contract's expiration and his personal ambitions, and at Mohammédia owing to board interference despite the team's success, leading to a subsequent legal victory for unpaid compensation amounting to MAD 1,450,000.[53][57] These experiences underscored the challenges of transient roles in lower divisions outside Europe, where external pressures often overshadowed on-field progress.Châteauroux
Marco Simone was appointed head coach of La Berrichonne de Châteauroux on 9 March 2021, shortly after the club's takeover by Saudi investor Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz, which aimed to address the team's ongoing financial challenges and provide stability.[58][59] The appointment replaced Benoît Cauet, with Simone tasked to inject new impetus and steer the side away from relegation in Ligue 2, drawing on his prior experience managing in the French second tier during his playing days at AS Monaco.[59] Simone's initial focus centered on squad rebuilding amid the club's financial constraints, emphasizing tactical adjustments and player development to stabilize performance.[60] Despite these efforts, Châteauroux finished 19th in the 2020–21 Ligue 2 standings and suffered relegation to the Championnat National. In the third tier the following season, he oversaw 20 matches, achieving an average of 1.00 points per match, but a string of poor results, including a 0–2 home defeat to Concarneau on 8 October 2021, undermined the campaign.[30][61] On 11 October 2021, Simone was dismissed by the club's ownership, marking the end of his tenure after failing to mount a successful promotion push or avoid further struggles in the lower divisions.[62] This role represented Simone's final position with a men's professional team until 2025.[30]Al Thaid
In September 2022, Simone joined Al Thaid Sports Club in the UAE Second Division as technical director, marking his return to management after a year-long hiatus.[63] His role involved overseeing squad development and tactical implementation for the ambitious club based in Sharjah, drawing on his extensive experience to support the head coach in building a competitive team. The tenure focused on youth integration and structural improvements but lasted less than a year, ending prior to his next appointment.[64] This brief spell highlighted Simone's versatility in advisory roles within emerging football markets.Monaco United
In July 2025, Marco Simone was appointed as the founder and head coach of Monaco United, a new women's football club established in partnership with Racing City Group.[65][66] The initiative, backed by Racing City Group founders including Morris Pagniello, aims to introduce professional-level women's football to the Principality, drawing on Simone's deep-rooted connections to Monaco from his playing and coaching stints at AS Monaco.[65][67] Monaco United entered the fifth tier of French women's football for the 2025–26 season, competing in the Régional 1 league under the French Football Federation's structure.[65][68] The squad of 20 players was assembled through a combination of open trials held in Monaco and targeted scouting efforts, including local talent identification and evaluations of video submissions from international prospects.[65][8] This approach emphasized accessibility and merit, fostering a diverse group motivated by the club's vision to elevate women's football in a region previously underserved at the professional level.[69] The club's primary objectives include achieving rapid promotions to reach the professional divisions of French women's football within a few seasons, with Simone targeting the Division 2 Féminine or higher as a benchmark for sustainability and growth.[65][70] To build momentum, Monaco United scheduled its inaugural friendly match against AC Milan Women on 27 August 2025 at Stade Didier Deschamps in Cap-d'Ail, France, as part of a series of high-profile "MUWFC challenge" games against top European clubs.[65][8] Simone's coaching philosophy for Monaco United centers on ambition and visibility, utilizing his experiences from AS Monaco and AC Milan to promote the women's game through intensive training, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.[65][69] He has emphasized creating a passionate, enthusiastic environment that prioritizes player development and global exposure, positioning the club as a catalyst for gender equity in Monegasque sport.[70][67] The season began with a forfeit victory on the first matchday in September 2025, followed by early pre-season successes. As of November 2025, the team secured a historic 6–0 home win against Mougins on 10 November, their first match on Monegasque soil, underscoring the squad's potential under Simone's leadership.[71][72]Career statistics
Club
Marco Simone's club career statistics encompass appearances, goals, and assists across domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions for his primary clubs: Virescit, Como, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco, OGC Nice, and Legnano.[5] The following tables provide breakdowns by club totals in all competitions, domestic league statistics by season, and key competition summaries.[5][23]Club Totals (All Competitions)
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virescit | 20 | 9 | 0 |
| Como | 44 | 7 | 0 |
| AC Milan | 260 | 75 | 30 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 80 | 32 | 3 |
| AS Monaco | 99 | 44 | 9 |
| OGC Nice | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Legnano | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Career Total | 526 | 168 | 42 |
Domestic League Statistics by Season
The table below details Simone's performances in top-division domestic leagues (Serie A and Ligue 1), focusing on matches played (MP), goals, and assists where recorded (assists unavailable for seasons prior to 1999).[23]| Season | Club | League | MP | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988-89 | Como | Serie A | 34 | 6 | - |
| 1989-90 | AC Milan | Serie A | 21 | 1 | - |
| 1990-91 | AC Milan | Serie A | 14 | 4 | - |
| 1991-92 | AC Milan | Serie A | 15 | 7 | - |
| 1992-93 | AC Milan | Serie A | 13 | 5 | - |
| 1993-94 | AC Milan | Serie A | 25 | 3 | - |
| 1994-95 | AC Milan | Serie A | 30 | 17 | - |
| 1995-96 | AC Milan | Serie A | 27 | 8 | - |
| 1996-97 | AC Milan | Serie A | 23 | 4 | - |
| 1997-98 | Paris SG | Ligue 1 | 28 | 13 | - |
| 1998-99 | Paris SG | Ligue 1 | 31 | 9 | - |
| 1999-00 | AS Monaco | Ligue 1 | 34 | 21 | 12 |
| 2000-01 | AS Monaco | Ligue 1 | 30 | 7 | 5 |
| 2001-02 | AS Monaco | Ligue 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2001-02 | AC Milan | Serie A | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| 2002-03 | AS Monaco | Ligue 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003-04 | OGC Nice | Ligue 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 351 | 105 | 18 |
Breakdown by Key Competitions
Simone's statistics in major competitions highlight his impact in European and domestic cup play.[5]Serie A (AC Milan and Como)
Ligue 1 (PSG, Monaco, Nice)
UEFA club competitions (Primarily AC Milan and Monaco)
Domestic Cups (Coppa Italia, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coppa Italia (Milan, Como) | 45 | 10 | 2 |
| Coupe de France (PSG, Monaco, Nice) | 15 | 4 | 0 |
| Coupe de la Ligue (PSG, Monaco) | 18 | 7 | 1 |
| Total | 78 | 21 | 3 |
International
Marco Simone earned four caps for the senior Italy national team between 1992 and 1996, appearing in friendlies and qualifiers without scoring any goals.[11] His international debut occurred as a substitute in a 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Malta.[75] He made three additional appearances, including one start, during UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying and a friendly match.[11] The following table summarizes his senior international appearances:| Date | Opponent | Result | Competition | Position | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Dec 1992 | Malta (away) | 1–2 (W) | 1994 FIFA World Cup Qual. | Sub (31') | 0 |
| 11 Nov 1995 | Ukraine (home) | 3–1 (W) | 1996 UEFA Euro Qual. | Sub (25') | 0 |
| 15 Nov 1995 | Lithuania (home) | 4–0 (W) | 1996 UEFA Euro Qual. | Start | 0 |
| 6 Nov 1996 | Bosnia & Herzegovina (away) | 2–1 (L) | International Friendly | Sub (45') | 0 |
Honours
As a player
During his playing career, Marco Simone amassed a collection of major domestic and international club honours across several teams in Italy and France. AC MilanSimone won four Serie A titles with AC Milan in the 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, and 1995–96 seasons.[76] He also claimed two UEFA Champions League titles in 1989–90 and 1993–94, three UEFA Super Cups in 1989, 1990, and 1994, and two Intercontinental Cups in 1989 and 1990.[3][76][77] Additionally, he won three Italian Supercups in 1992, 1993, and 1994.[77] Paris Saint-Germain
With Paris Saint-Germain, Simone secured the Coupe de la Ligue in the 1997–98 season, where he scored in the final against Bordeaux.[76] He also won the Coupe de France that same season.[76] AS Monaco
At AS Monaco, Simone contributed to the Ligue 1 title victory in the 1999–2000 season, finishing as one of the league's top performers with 21 goals.[78][76] Individual awards
Early in his career, Simone was the Serie C1 top scorer in the 1987–88 season with Virescit Boccaleone, netting 15 goals.[14][79] Simone earned four caps for the Italy national team but won no major international honours.[75]