movement off the ball, and defensive work-rate, as well as his ball-winning abilities, which made him a key player in Sacchi's legendary Milan side of the late 80s, and which allowed him to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Along with his partner Alberigo Evani on the opposite flank, he was often tasking with covering defensively for the overlapping runs of Milan's attacking full-backs, namely Mauro Tassotti on the right, while his defensive skills also enabled him to form a strong partnership with fellow holding midfielder Frank Rijkaard in midfield. Sacchi himself once even described Colombo as being "tactically more important than Maradona." In addition to his qualities as a player, he also stood out for his long blonde hair. Managerial career After retiring, Colombo coached the Milan youth side for five years, and later became a their co-ordinator for four more years, and subsequently a scout for the team. On 26 January 2009, he signed a contract to coach Montebelluna in Serie D, replacing Gianfranco Borgato, and saving the team from relegation in the play-off against Somma. In May 2010, he took charge of Carpenedolo during the 2009–10 Lega Pro Second Division play-offs against Villacidrese, which ended with the club's relegation to Serie D at the end of the season. The following season, the team were defeated in the Serie D play-off against Mobilieri Ponsacco, but the team were not relegated to the Eccellenza League, as they were re-drawn. On 30 October 2011, Colombo was sacked, as the team were second last during the 2011–12 Serie D season. Honours Club Milan Serie A: 1987–88 Supercoppa Italiana: 1988 European Cup: 1988–89, 1989–90 European Super Cup: 1989 Intercontinental Cup: 1989 References 1961 births Living people Sportspeople from the Province of Monza e Brianza Italian footballers Italian expatriate footballers Olympic footballers of Italy Footballers at the 1988 Summer Olympics National Soccer League (Australia) players Italian expatriate sportspeople in Australia Expatriate soccer players in Australia Serie A players A.C. Milan players A.C. Monza players S.S.C. Bari players Marconi Stallions FC players U.S. Avellino 1912 players Udinese Calcio players Association football midfielders Italian football managers Serie D managers Footballers from Lombardy