Il Falco Nero ("The Blackhawk") moved at a young age to play in Italy. He began his career Latemar HC for a single season. He then joined HC Bolzano and he instantly became a hit, totalling 133 points in his first season and 114 the next; he won the Italian Championsip in 1990. From then on, Zarrillo became a regular member of the Italian National Team, for whom he played very well. Zarrillo played 170 games for the Italian National Team, participating in 8 World Championships in the Elite and First Division, as well as two Olympic Games participations, in 1992 and 1994.