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Lido VIERI 1958-69
A monumental goalkeeper who played 275 games for Torino in over a decade. He rose through the youth ranks, but then moved to Inter in 1969. He took part in the 1970 World Cup, being the third choice behind Dino Zoff and Enrico Albertosi. He subsequently became a Coach and goalkeeper trainer for Inter and Torino.
Roberto ROSATO 1957-66
This solid central defender started playing with Torino’s young team and made his debut in 1961 with the first team. ‘Faccia d’Angelo’ – Angel Face – was an aggressive player and far from angelic in nature. He joined Milan in 1967 and won many titles, including the European Championship and a Scudetto.
Roberto CRAVERO 1985-92 & 1995-98
A model professional who led Torino’s defence in the late 80s. He was captain during the dark era when the team was relegated, but still defended the Granata’s honour proudly. He joined Lazio in 1992, but moved back ‘home’ in 1995 ending his career with his beloved club.
Renato ZACCARELLI 1969-71 & 1974-87
An elegant midfielder who also played as a sweeper. He played for Italy in the 1978 World Cup. ‘Zac’ was a member of the team which won the Scudetto in 1976 and made 317 appearances for the Granata – the third highest in the club’s history. He has also been a director general and Coach for the Turin giants.
Gigi MERONI 1964-67The Granata ‘Butterfly’ was a wing wizard who became a solid fans’ favourite. Playing for Torino for only three years, it was sufficient time for him to show the world his capabilities and he was compared to George Best. Meroni was an artist and a unique player. He tragically died at the age of 24 after being run over by a car driven by future Toro President Attilio Romero.
Giorgio FERRINI 1958-75
Ferrini was a fearless defensive midfielder who became a Toro bandiera after being handed the captaincy in 1963. He is Torino’s most capped player with 548 appearances. ‘Il Picchiatore’ – the Hitter – played seven games with the Nazionale. After retirement he became Torino’s assistant Coach, winning Serie A in 1976 just months before he unexpectedly died.
Giuseppe DOSSENA 1981-87
A tireless midfielder who joined Torino from Bologna and established himself as a great, who also won the World Cup in 1982. He played for the Granata in 187 games and scored 20 goals. He then went on to Coach Ghana and is now a TV pundit.
Gianluigi LENTINI 1985-88, 89-92 & 97-01
Gigi was a wonderfully talented attacking midfielder and was once the world’s most expensive footballer when he moved from Torino to Milan for £13m in 1992. A lack of form and a near fatal car crash while with the Rossoneri meant he never lived up to expectations away from Turin. Lentini played for the Granata during three different stints, scoring a total of 26 goals in 204 games.
Claudio SALA 1969-80
’The Poet’ joined Torino from Napoli in 1969 for a then club record fee. He was Toro captain in the 70s and wrote a big part of their history by playing at the legendary Stadio Filadelfia. The No 7 was a dribbling master. He played 262 Serie A games, scoring 22 goals and winning one title and the Italian Cup.
Valentino MAZZOLA 1943-49
Torino greatest of all time. Mazzola was the symbol of ‘Il Grande Torino’ which dominated the Italian scene in the 1940s. Captain Valentino was a true master, able to cover every single position on the field of play. With Torino, Mazzola won five straight Serie A titles and he led the team to their the last battle before the tragic Superga air disaster. His teammate Mario Rigamonti once said: “He alone is half the squad. The other half is made by the rest of us together.”
Paolo PULICI 1967-82
’Puliciclone’ was Serie A’s top scorer three times. Playing alongside Ciccio Graziani they were the ‘Gemelli del Gol’ – the Goal Twins – and were feared by all. A fantastic striker, able to score from any position, his favourite victim was Toro’s eternal rival Juventus. He played 335 games and scored 134 goals.
THE COACH:
Luigi RADICE 1975-80 & 1984-88
He still is the only Coach able to guide Torino to the Scudetto following the Superga tragedy. Radice started as a player with Milan and won the European Championship. He was also the first tactician who introduced a new style of football to Italy, based on total pressing and ball possession. He then moved on to Inter, Roma and Fiorentina. Words: Serafino Ingardia
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