Sergio Martino

The Profile

Sergio Martino (born 1938) is an Italian film director and screenwriter active since 1969, celebrated for stylish gialli, gritty poliziotteschi, commedia sexy all’italiana, and cult comedies like L’allenatore nel pallone.

Frequent collaborator with producer Luciano Martino and actress Edwige Fenech; directed genre landmarks including The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh, Torso, and the football satire L’allenatore nel pallone.

DeBaser’s reviews focus on Martino’s 1980s comedies. L’allenatore nel pallone is hailed as a sharp, beloved football satire. The sequel is criticized as unfunny with weak direction and TV-level visuals. His sex comedies get mixed marks: craft and performances noted, but often flat staging. Overall tone swings between affection for cult status and frustration with uneven results.