in 1990. Style of play A tactically intelligent and versatile team player, Di Bartolomei usually played as a central or defensive midfielder in front of the defensive line in a deep-lying playmaking role; he was also capable of playing in a more advanced role, or in the centre of his team's defensive line, where he usually functioned as a sweeper, a position in which he was frequently deployed during Roma's Scudetto victory in the 1982–83 season, due to his ability to play the ball out from the back or advance into midfield with his head up while in possession of the ball. A quick and hard-working midfielder, although he was not gifted with significant pace, he was known for his stamina and long stride, which enabled him to cover the pitch effectively. Famed for his elegance on the ball, technical ability, and playmaking skills, he was known for his excellent long-passing ability, vision, and ability to read the game, and also possessed an eye for goal, due to his accurate and powerful shot from distance with his right foot; he was also an accurate free-kick and penalty taker, and usually struck the ball without taking a run-up. In addition to his playing ability, he was also known for his outstanding tenacity and charismatic leadership as Roma's captain, both on and off the pitch, in spite of his introverted character. He was also regarded as a serious, composed, and correct player, who was known for his fair play, honesty, and discipline as a footballer. Throughout his career, he was given the nickname Diba. Retirement and death Di Bartolomei suffered from clinical depression in his later years, and committed suicide by shooting himself in his villa in San Marco di Castellabate, on 30 May 1994, ten years to the day after Roma had lost the European Cup final to Liverpool on penalties. He is a member of the A.S. Roma Hall of Fame. Honours Club A.S. Roma Serie A: 1982–83 Coppa Italia: 1979–80, 1980–81, 1983–84 European Cup Runner-up: 1983–84 Individual A.S. Roma Hall of Fame: 2012 References 1955 births 1994 suicides Italian footballers Italy under-21 international footballers L.R. Vicenza players A.S. Roma players A.C. Milan players A.C. Cesena players U.S. Salernitana 1919 players Serie A players Serie B players Serie C players Suicides by firearm in Italy Footballers from Rome Association football midfielders