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Gaetano
Scirea
(Italy)
Scirea
made his Serie A debut for Atalanta in the beginning
of the 1972/73 season, but was transferred to Juventus
only a couple of years later. He made his name there
as one of the best and most respected defenders in the
world game through more than a decade. He was a
gentleman on and off the field and never got sent off
or suspended in his long career, much thanks to his
ability to read the game. He won every possible honour
with Juve including all three European Cups and seven
“Scudettos” (Italian Serie A titles). Scirea also
played at the same high level for Italy in three World
Cups. The first in 1978 where he and Italy beat
eventual winners Argentina in the first round, but had
to settle for fourth place having lost to Brazil in
the bronzematch.
Gaetano experienced a
wonderful summer in 1982. Spain hosted the World Cup
and Italy won having struggled a lot early on drawing
all three first round games to Poland, Peru and
Cameroon. Then followed four straight wins over
defending champions Argentina, the favourites Brazil,
Poland and then West Germany in the final. Scirea set
up Tardelli’s goal in the final and his presence in
defence was invaluable.
Italy failed to reach
their level of 1982 when the World Cup was held in
Mexico four years later now with Scirea as captain.
France and Juventus colleague Platini knocked them out
in the second round. This tournament also marked the
end of his international career.
Gaetano Scirea died in a
tragic car accident in Poland in 1989 while scouting
for Juventus, and at Stadio Delle Alpi they have named
the end after him where all Juventus' most fanatical
supporters are. A model professional, Scirea was
well-liked by everyone involved in soccer, even Juve's
worst enemies, as he always was abiding the rules and
appeared with class on the field. Even today, more
than a decade after his death, you can see banners and
hear fans sing songs with his name at Stadio Delle
Alpi.
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