Massimo Zenildo Zappino (born 12 June 1981) is a former Brazilian footballer of Italian descent who played as a goalkeeper. He also holds an Italian passport.

Playing career

In summer 2007, he was exchanged with Vincenzo Sicignano but failed to make permanent move. In summer 2008 he was signed by Foggia in exchange with Nunzio Di Roberto to Frosinone In June Foggia acquired the remaining 50% registration rights from Frosinone. In July 2009 he signed a 2-year contract with Taranto as the joint-ownership bid accepted. It changed to definitive deal in late July. He then left for Como on free transfer. On 2 September 2010 he joined Serie B club Varese He was the first choice keeper. The team finished fourth but failed to win the promotion playoffs. On 1 November 2015 he made his debut in Serie A with Frosinone, eventually conceding 4 goals to Fiorentina. After leaving Frosinone in 2018, he shortly joined Promozione amateur club Siracusa in 2019, being released just a few weeks after his signing due to physical and fitness problems, with no first team appearances.

Coaching career

After retiring as a player, Zappino stayed on in Syracuse and started a career as a goalkeeping coach and scout. In 2022, he was hired as the new goalkeeping coach of Eccellenza Sicily amateurs Real Siracusa.

Personal life

Zappino was born in Pesqueira, Brazil to a poor family, and then successively adopted by an Italian family from Syracuse, Sicily.

Honours