Renzo De Vecchi (Italian pronunciation:[ˈrɛntsodeˈvɛkki]; 3 February 1894 – 14 May 1967) was an Italian football player and coach who played as a defender. He competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics with Italy,[1] and is officially the youngest player to have ever played a match for the Italy national side. Regarded as one of Italy's greatest-ever players, he was known for his excellent technique, dribbling skills, and his accuracy from penalty kicks, despite being a defender. As a ball-winning full-back, he was known for his strength, tackling ability, anticipation, and his organisational skills on the left flank, and was also capable of playing in the centre or in midfield.[2]
Club career
Born in Milan, Renzo De Vecchi is the youngest player to play in a Serie A game for A.C. Milan, making his debut at 15 years and 284 days, on 14 November 1909, in a 2–1 home win over Ausonia. He soon became a member of the starting line-up on the left side of the back-line, although he was also capable of playing in the centre or even in midfield.[2] Due to his class and playing ability, he was given the nickname "Il Figlio di Dio" (The Son of God) by the Milan fans.[3] He later moved to Genoa in 1913, winning three Italian League titles during his time with the club, before retiring in 1929. Between 1927 and 1929, he worked as a player-manager for Genoa, and during the 1929–30 season, after retiring as a player, he became the club's manager for a season, temporarily moving to Rapallo in 1930, for three seasons. He returned to Genoa in 1933, and he helped the club to gain Serie A promotion, winning the 1934–35 Serie B title, before retiring, after which he pursued a coaching career.[2]