When Calcio Ruled the Football World-A Personal Journey-Part 8 (1989/90)

The 1989/90 season was anticipated, as it would lead up to the World Cup that the Italians would be hosting on home soil the following summer. The Nation was mobilized to have all the Stadia and facilities ready in time for the main event in less than a year.

But as was the case like the previous off-season, it was Diego Maradona’s off the field drama that caught all the headlines.

Due to the Copa America Tournament over that summer, as well as, the CONMEBOLWorld Cup Qualifiers, most South America players were expected to arrive after the start of the season.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 22 Supplement, August-September 1999

(Diego Maradona with Napoli fans)

As defending World Cup Champions, Argentina had no such worries, however, it was Maradona himself who delayed his return. It would turn out that the ambitious French Club Olympique Marseille of Bernard Tapie had convinced Maradona to join them. The player himself was more than willing, as the pressure of the Serie A seemed to be getting to him after five years and the less pressured atmosphere of the French League appealed to him.

It was also believed he was threatened by Napoli’s crime syndicate, The Camorra.

Needless to say, Napoli and its President Corrado Ferlaino were unwilling to give up on their most prized asset. This soap opera continued for over a month, but getting back to the other teams.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 22 Supplement, August-September 1999

(Diego Maradona with Corrado Ferlaino)

The defending Champions Internazionale Milano of Giovanni Trapattoni, already more than satisfied with the West German duo of Lothar Matthaus and Andreas Brehme, added a third. Jurgen Klinnsman arrived from Stuttgart to replace the Argentinean veteran Ramon Diaz, who went to France’s AS Monaco.

Photo From: Fussball Magazin, December 1989

(Jurgen Klinsman)

The European Champions AC Milan of Arrigo Sacchi had maintained their Dutch trio. All three (Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard) missed the start of the season through various injuries. While van Basten and Rijkaard would shortly be back, Gullit would miss virtually the entire season. In fact Gullit’s physical state would be one of the ongoing sagas of the season, as he was originally expected to miss weeks, then it became months and months.

The veteran striker Pietro Paolo Virdis had left to join Lecce, but Daniele Massaro had returned from his one season loan at Roma. Young Como striker Marco Simone had been acquired and Stefano Borgonovo had come back from his loan at Fiorentina (where he had formed a lethal partnership with Roberto Baggio the previous season).

Future International midfielder Diego Fuser had arrived from relegated Torino.

Other new arrivals included goalkeeper Andrea Pazzagli (Ascoli), Stefano Carobbi and Stefano Salvatori (both Fiorentina) and Giovanni Stroppa (Monza).

The once mighty Juventus managed by Dino Zoff, it seemed were no longer the kings of the transfer market and it showed in their selections. Denmark’s Michael Laudrup had left to join Barcelona. Veteran defender Antonio Cabrini had been offloaded to Bologna. Other departures included Alessandro Altobelli, Luciano Favero, Marino Magrin, Massimo Mauro and Renato Buso.

They had wanted to offload the disappointing Soviet star Alexander Zavarov, but apparently there were no takers, so they chose to persevere him for one more season. They acquired another Soviet midfielder, Sergei Aleinikov of Dinamo Minsk (after it looked he was set to join Genoa) to perhaps help Zavarov as well. Portuguese midfielder Rui Barros remained as their third foreigner. The attempted triple signing from Sampdoria of Gianluca Vialli, Roberto Mancini and Pietro Vierchowod always seemed to be wishful thinking.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 16, May 1990

(Juventus’ Sergei Aleinikov)

More telling was their failure to lure Denmark’s Fleming Povlsen (Koln) and the Brazilian pair of Carlos Dunga (Fiorentina) and Luis Muller (Torino) despite serious attempts.

Italian defender Dario Bonetti and midfielder Daniele Fortunato had arrived from Verona and Atalanta respectively. Angelo Alessio returned from his one season loan at Bologna. The surprise additions were two strikers from Serie B, Pierluigi Casiraghi (Monza) and Salvatore Schillaci (Messina).

Ottavio Bianchi had left his post as Napoli Manager at the end of the previous seasons, after many rows with players including Maradona. The new man in charge was the former Cesena Manager Albertino Bigon. The Brazilian pair Careca and Alemao had remained. The main arrivals were Massimo Mauro from Juventus, Marco Baroni from Lecce and a young unknown midfielder from Torres named Gianfranco Zola.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 22 Supplement, August-September 1999

(Napoli Manager Albertino Bigon)

Sampdoria of Gianluca Vialli welcomed Yugoslavia’s Srecko Katanec and Attilio Lombardo from Cremonese. Otherwise, Yugoslav Manager Vujadin Boskov had retained the same bloc of players.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 16, May 1990

(Sampdoria’s new recruit Attilio Lombardo)

West German defender Thomas Berthold left Verona to join his compatriot Rudi Voeller at AS Roma (with new Coach Gigi Radice in charge).

Argentinean striker Claudio Caniggia left Verona to join Atalanta, who had offloaded Swedish midfielder Robert Prytz.

Newly promoted Udinese registered the Argentinean pair of Nestor Sensini and Abel Balbo who would go on and shine in Italy for more than a decade for various teams.

Spanish midfielder Ricardo Gallego also joined Udinese after over a decade of service at Real Madrid.

Veteran Italian striker Bruno Giordano joined Luigi Maifredi’s ambitious Bologna side, as did Bulgaria’s Nikolai Iliev and Brazil’s Geovani (one of Brazil’s flops at the Copa America).

Newly promoted Genoa under the well-respected Manager Francesco Scoglio acquired the Uruguayan trio of Carlos Aguilera, Ruben Paz and Jose Perdomo.

Though perhaps overlooked at the time, Marcello Lippi was given his first managerial position in the Serie A with Cesena.

Fiorentina acquired Czechoslovakia’s Lubos Kubik and Argentina’s Oscar Dertycia, as well Juventus’ Renato Buso. Due to ongoing construction on their home stadium for the upcoming World Cup, they would play all their home matches away in Pistoia and Perugia. This disadvantage would hamper their season, despite their progress in the UEFA Cup.

The season started on August 27^th, as expected without Maradona. 

He had been expected to be back by August, but he delayed his return for a month. He finally returned and everything was seemingly back to normal. Nevertheless, Napoli had no choice but to open a Civil Lawsuit against him because of his unprofessional behavior.

The second matchday on September 3^rd saw AC Milan unexpectedly lose at home to Lazio, with a bizarre own goal from Paolo Maldini. He lobbed his own goalkeeper from long range, while attempting a backpass. Napoli were already leaders, as they were the only team to have won its opening two matches. Salvatore Schillaci also displayed his potential with two goals in a (4-1) Juventus win over Verona. However, that day was tragic for Italian Football as a whole. Former Juventus Libero Gaetano Scirea was killed in an automobile accident near a Village called Babsk in Poland. Scirea, who was on Dino Zoff’s staff, was in a supervising mission for Juventus on their Polish opponents Gornik Zabrze for the upcoming First Round of the UEFA Cup.

In the following week (Matchday 3, September 10), Inter suffered its first loss of the season at Sampdoria (0-2), Juventus’ win over Ascoli, as well as Napoli’s away win at Verona, made the two joint leaders.

However, by the following week (Matchday 4, September 17), Juventus’ limitations would be exposed as they lost at Inter (1-2).

Napoli took over the sole lead with a (3-2) win over Fiorentina, after having fallen behind 0-2. Maradona made his first appearance of the season after coming on as a substitute.

Fiorentina’s Roberto Baggio scored one of his most famous goals, after he took the ball in his own half and dribbled past many defenders to score (very reminiscent of Maradona’s goal vs. England in 1986).

Three days later, ‘Baggiomania’ would take over Italy, with his two-goal performance for the National team vs. Bulgaria in a friendly.

On Matchday 6 (September 24), Maradona would score his first goal in an away tie with Cremonese that would help them to hold on as League leaders.

The following week (Matchday 7, October 1), would feature the league leaders Napoli of Maradona taking on the struggling AC Milan. The more in form Napoli side convincingly defeated Milan (3-0) to be favorites for the title.

One of the most enduring images of Maradona for years to come would be him wearing Franco Baresi’s exchanged jersey after the match.

On the same day, Inter recovered somewhat by defeating Roma (3-0) to move up to second place.

On the following week, AC Milan (with van Basten making his first appearance) continued its poor form by losing at Cremonese, while Juevntus also lost ground by losing at home to Atalanta.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 16, May 1990

(Marco van Basten and Giancarlo Marocchi, March 11, 1990, Juventus 3-AC Milan 0)

On Matchday 9 (October 22), the next table-topping clash would pit Napoli at home vs. the German inspired defending Champions of Inter. Once again Napoli would come out winners with goals from Maradona and Careca to consolidate its lead. On the same day, Marco van Basten would score his first goal of the season as Milan defeated Roma (1-0).

Diego Maradona had an eventful few days prior to his wedding in November.

Napoli were scheduled to play Wettingen in the UEFA Cup in midweek, Maradona skipped training and rested at home for two days.   When he showed up on the third day, Corrado Ferlaino had had enough and sent him home.

Then on November 2^nd, Maradona allegedly punched a fifteen year old after a training session, which led to a Police Complaint.

On Matchday 11 (November 5), van Basten would signal AC Milan’s recovery and once again Juventus’ shortcomings by scoring twice in a (3-2) win. The League leaders Napoli would hold onto the top position by defeating Lecce (3-2).

Following the match, Maradona would fly off to Buenos Aires to marry Claudia Villafane.

The following Round (Matchday 12, November 19), AC Milan would defeat its neighbors Inter (3-0) with van Basten once again amongst the goalscorers.

The important clash on the following week (Matchday 13, November 26) would see the leaders Napoli hold onto a tie at Juventus (1-1).

The still injured Ruud Gullit had yet another operation by famed Belgian Surgeon Marc Martens on November 29^th and it was clear his layoff would be long term. In total he would have three operations in less than a year.

In the next round (Matchday 14, December 3), Napoli would defeat Atalanta (3-1) with the young playmaker Gianfranco Zola (wearing the number 10 jersey, as Maradona was rested and only came on as a substitute) scoring one of the goals with a beautiful curling shot.

In the meantime, the Draw for the upcoming World Cup finals was made, Maradona once again stirred controversy by declaring the draw had been fixed to favor Italy at the expense of Argentina. As a result, the Italian Federation demanded disciplinary action against Maradona. (He would be fined in January)

Napoli would suffer its first League defeat of the season in the last round of the first phase of the season (Matchday 17, December 30), when they lost at Lazio (0-3).  Inter’s win at Udinese placed them in second place just two points behind Napoli. (25 points vs. 23 points).

On that day, tragedy was averted after AS Roma’s Lionella Manfredonia collapsed in the 5^th minute of their match at Bologna. He was revived and rushed to a hospital, but stayed in a coma for a couple of days.

The second half of the season would see the resurgence of AC Milan, with Marco van Basten in excellent form.  He was awarded his second Ballon d’Or in December ahead of clubmates Franco Baresi and Frank Rijkaard.

Milan also clinched the UEFA Super Cup (vs. Barcelona) and the Intercontinental Cup (vs. Atletico Nacional Medellin) in December.

The prolonged absence of Ruud Gullit was compensated with more than adequate response from the rest of the squad.
Milan were so impressive that at one point, AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi suggested Azeglio Vicini, the National Team Manager, should select the entire AC Milan’s Italian contingent in place of the current struggling players.

National Team Manager Azeglio Vicini responded that a Manager should take decisions objectively and that Milan’s best players were in fact its Dutch duo (van Basten and Rijkaard).

On Matchday 19 (January 14), AC Milan won away at Lazio (3-1) and Napoli drew at Udinese (2-2). This tightened the race at the top. Napoli had 28 points, while Inter (27 points) and AC Milan (26 points) were right behind.

The next day Maradona was again at the center of another controversy. Giuseppe Pacileo of ‘Il Mattino’ had given Maradona a note of 3.5/10 for his performance vs. Udinese. The two men came face to face at a Naples studio where Maradona was doing his weekly TV show. He threatened Pacileo that he would make him eat his own newspaper.

AC Milan and Napoli continued winning for the next few rounds, with van Basten scoring in phenomenal fashion.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 16, May 1990

(Juventus’ Roberto Galia and Fiorentina’s Roberto Baggio, January 17, 1990, Fiorentina 2-Juventus 2)

His excellent form was rewarded with a new improved contract until 1993 (with an option for an extra year) that was announced on January 23^rd. Van Basten would sign it on February 9^th.

Despite the revelation of Schillaci, Juventus had been declining for many years now. Gianni Agnelli felt a change of direction was needed. He announced that Dino Zoff would leave his post at the end of the season.

Around this time, former Juventus great Michel Platini accused long serving Administrator Giampiero Boniperti of having squandered Agnelli’s money on ineffective transfers. Boniperti announced his departure after these attacks.

In any case, it was believed that Boniperti and Agnelli had not seen eye to eye on many transfers. Boniperti had wanted Andreas Moeller, while Agnelli had been opposed. It was Agnelli who had insisted on Zavarov’s signature, while Boniperti had been doubtful.

On February 5^th, Boniperti announced his resignation.

As for Zavarov, himself and his old Manager Valeri Lobanovsky placed the blame of his failure on Dino Zoff.  They both blamed Zoff for positioning him on the left side instead of his preferred central position.

On Matchday 24 (February 11), Napoli and Milan would meet in the most anticipated clash of the season. In contrast to the first encounter, AC Milan were now the more in form squad.  They completely dominated Napoli at home and won (3-0) with goals by Daniele Massaro, Paolo Maldini and van Basten. The teams were now level on points (36 each).

Just three days later, Milan once again showed its dominance over Napoli by defeating them at San Paolo, in the second Leg of the Coppa Italia Semifinals (3-1) to qualify for the Final after a goalless first Leg.

On Matchday 26 (February 25), AC Milan would break free and lead for the first time in the season. Napoli would lose again, this time vs. Inter (1-3), while Milan would defeat Roma away (4-0).  AC Milan now had 40 points and Napoli had 38.

At this point, Milan seemed odds on favorites to win the title. But it was precisely around this time, in the beginning of spring, that their implosion started.

On Matchday 28 (March 11), they were defeated at Juventus (0-3). Napoli could only draw at Lecce but nevertheless reduced the deficit to one point.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 16, May 1990

(Luigi De Agostini and Angelo Colombo, March 11, 1990, Juventus 3-AC Milan 0)

The following week (Matchday 29, March 18), Milan were defeated once again, this time by neighbors Inter (1-3). Though Napoli themselves were also defeated at Sampdoria (1-2).

On Matchay 30 (March 25), both teams won, but Maradona’s two-goal display vs. Juventus signaled his return to form.

Physiotherapist Antonio Dal Monte was credited for placing Maradona on a special diet. He lost significant weight and was sharper and fitter in the final weeks of the season.

A few days later, Juventus’ Salvatore Schillaci’s fine form  (in addition, to the National Team’s struggles to score goals regularly) earned him his Azzurri debut in a friendly vs. Switzerland on March 31 (1-0 Italy win).

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 17, June 1990

(Salvatore Schillaci)

The following week (Matchday 31, April 8) would be significant in deciding the final outcome. AC Milan could only manage a scoreless draw at Bologna. Napoli managed the same at Atalanta. However, an object from the stands hit Napoli’s Alemao. As a result the score was overturned as (2-0 win for Napoli, ‘a tavolino’) by the League. This made the teams level on points with three matches to go.

Both teams won their next match and each had 47 points heading into the penultimate round (Matchday 33, April 22).

Both teams were away, AC Milan at Verona and Napoli were at Bologna.

AC Milan went ahead through Simone and seemed set to win. Arrigo Sacchi decided to send on Ruud Gullit for his very first appearance of the season. Unfortunately, for Milan, Verona fought back and tied up the score. The Milan players’ nerves gave way and Arrigo Sacchi, Rijkaard, van Basten and eventually Alessandro Costacurta were all sent off.  Milan were completely demoralized and Verona scored a winner through Davide Pellegrini, virtually handing over the title to Napoli, who were winning at Bologna (4-2). Napoli were now ahead by two points (49 vs. 47) going into the last match, and their victory seemed certain if not yet mathematical.

A few days later, Milan would also lose the Second Leg of the Coppa Italia Final to Juventus to miss out on domestic honors.

The last Round (Matchday 34, April 29) saw Napoli defeat Lazio with a Marco Baroni goal and Napoli were champions for the second time in four seasons.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 22 Supplement, August-September 1999

(Maradona and Alemao celebrating)

Marco van Basten was top goalscorer with 19 goals, with Baggio just behind with 17, Maradona with 16 and the revelation of the season Salvatore Schillaci with 15.

A few weeks later AC Milan triumphed in the Champions Cup (1-0 vs. Benfica) to salvage their end of the season.

In fact Italian teams all triumphed in Europe, Sampdoria won the Cup Winners Cup and Juventus won the UEFA Cup in an all-Italian affair vs. Fiorentina.

The Italian dominance in the European Cups allowed as much as eight Italian teams to be represented in Europe for the following season. (Napoli and AC Milan in C1, Sampdoria and Juventus in C2, Roma, Inter, Bologna and Atalanta in C3)

Verona who had been champions just five years earlier were relegated, along with Udinese, Cremonese and Ascoli.

The significant departures at the end of the season included the already mentioned Dino Zoff, who was appointed as the new Manager of Lazio, as well as, AC Milan goalkeeper Giovanni Galli joining Napoli, while Napoli forward Andrea Carnevalle would go on to join AS Roma after four successful seasons and two Scudetti.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 22 Supplement, August-September 1999

(Napoli’s Andrea Carnevalle)

Inter’s Alessandro Mateolli would join the newly promoted Cagliari of Claudio Ranieri.

The most significant transfer that was finalized just weeks after the end of the season and before the World Cup was that of Roberto Baggio. Juevntus paid a World Record fee of  £ 7.7 Million to acquire the excellent player.

This led to riots and unrest by the Fiorentina fans, which in turn led to the downfall of Count Flavio Pontello’s reign as Fiorentina owner.

Not to mention, the disruption of the National team’s World Cup preparation at nearby Coverciano.

The World Cup was a disappointment as Italy finished third, but Schillaci and Baggio had been the toast of Italy.

Of course the World Cup ended in tears (literally) for Maradona as well. Maradona was about the enter his last and most difficult season in Italy (1990/91 season, to be continued…..)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer

(Napoli squad 1989/90, Top, left to right: Andrea Carnevalle, Ricardo Alemao, Raffaele Di Fusco, Giulliano Giuliani,  Giovanni Francini, Giancarlo Corradini,  Middle, left to right: Tebaldo Bigliardi, Massimo Tarantino, Massimo Mauro, Albertino Bigon, Diego Maradona, Massimo Crippa,  Ciro Ferrara,  Bottom, left to right:  Alessandro Renica, Fernando De Napoli, Antonio Careca, Maurizio Neri, Gianfranco Zola, Luca Fusi, Marco Baroni)

When Calcio Ruled the Football World-A Personal Journey-Part 7 (1988/89)

The 1988/89 season started with Red and Black and especially Orange being the colors of choice. AC Milan President’s gamble on visionary Manager Arrigo Sacchi seemed to have been vindicated. Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten had just capped off a dream season by helping their Nation triumph in the UEFA European Championship.

This was the first season that Three Foreign Imports were authorized and AC Milan, already more than satisfied with two Dutchmen, added a third.

The excellent Franck Rijkaard arrived due to insistence of Arrigo Sacchi.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 103, October 1988

(AC Milan’s Dutch trio: Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Franck Rijkaard)

It must be remembered that Argentinean Claudio Borghi had been waiting in the wings for two years now to join Milan and Silvio Berlusconi himself was very eager for Borghi’s presence. Sacchi was less convinced, as Borghi’s stock had considerably dropped in these two years and his previous season on loan at Como had been disastrous.

A fully fit van Basten may as well have been a new recruit; therefore Daniele Massaro was loaned for one season at AS Roma.

This was also the first season in over two decades that the Serie A represented Eighteen Teams (Two extra teams were added).

This was also the first full season that the serious preparation for the 1990 World Cup started (with respect to the national Team), due to take place in Italy.

Due to the 1988 Seoul Olympics that were to take place in September, the Serie A season was actually postponed until October, but there were many talking points until then.

Naturally Diego Maradona was at the center of every controversy. Napoli had self destructed on their way to a seemingly won Scudetto with a number of senior players leading a mutiny against Manager Ottavio Bianchi.

Those players involved such as Salvatore Bagni, Bruno Giordano, Moreno Ferrario and Claudio Garella were all cleared out.

 They were replaced with goalkeeper Giuallino Giulliani (Verona), International midfielder Luca Fusi (Sampdoria) and the Torino pair of defender Giancarlo Corradini and near future International midfielder Massimo Crippa.

As their third foreigner, Napoli also acquired Brazilian midfielder Ricardo Alemao from Atletico Madrid.

As early as July Maradona publicly criticized the team’s transfer policy and the Manager.

He stated that instead of Alemao he would have liked his Argentina teammate Sergio Batista. He also would have liked to retain Bagni, with whom he was very close.

The following day, Ottavio Bianchi replied that if Maradona thought he was the Club President, he should just come down and give him his dismissal papers and furthermore when speaking about him should refer to him as ‘Signor.’

The next day Maradona said that he believed Bianchi would have been dismissed given the events of the end of the previous season, but Club President Corrado Ferlaino must have his reasons for retaining him.

At this point President Ferlaino must have intervened behind the scenes, as the following day (still in July), Maradona publicly apologized to Bianchi and welcomed at the chance for his new partnership with Alemao.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 103, October 1988

(Napoli’s foreign trio: Antonio Careca , Diego Maradona and Ricardo Alemao)

Juventus, still struggling from Michel Platini’s retirement and the Ian Rush fiasco were busy on their quest to get back to the glory days.

Former Star goalkeeper Dino Zoff was appointed as Manager with the task of rebuilding. Initially, Bologna’s Luigi Maifredi had been approached. He was looked upon as a ‘new Arrigo Sacchi’.  Maifredi declined since he did not feel yet ready for a team of Juventus’ level.

The Soviet Union was in the middle of the Perestroika movement. This led to the authorization to transfer players abroad. Juventus were one of the first to exploit this avenue. They were able to obtain Alexander Zavarov from Dinamo Kiev. They were also linked with his Kiev and USSR teammate Oleg Protassov, but that deal did not materialize.

Since Dutch players were in fashion, Juventus were also linked with PSV Eindhoven pair of Ronald Koeman and Gerald Vanenburg, but PSV would not release either.

Juventus instead signed Porto’s star on the rise, midfielder Rui Barros.

With four foreigners on board, Juventus initially released Danish Michael Laudrup to make way. However, they recalled him within a week after Ian Rush jumped at the chance to rejoin Liverpool and salvage his career.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 103, October 1988

(Juventus’ new foreign trio: Alexander Zavarov, Rui barros and Michael Laudrup)

Other new recruits included soon to be International midfielder Giancarlo Marocchi from Bologna, Roberto Galia (Verona) and Inter’s discarded veteran, former Italian International striker Alessandro Altobelli.

For his third season in charge of Inter, it was make or break time for Giovanni Trapattoni. They were busy in the transfer market that off-season.

Aging veterans such as Altobelli and Argentinean Daniel Passarella had been offloaded. Belgian star Enzo Scifo was loaned to France’s Bordeaux after a difficult first season.

Young Italian midfielders Alessandro Bianchi (Cesena) and soon-to-be International Nicola Berti (Fiorentina) came on board, along with West German stars and Bayern Munich teammates Lothar Matthaus and Andreas Brehme.

For a while it seemed like Algeria’s Rabah Madjer would be their third foreigner. However, medical exams showed him to be injury prone and most likely in need of surgery. Inter did not sign him and for some time were eyeing Benfica and Portuguese striker Rui Aguas as a potential replacement. In the end Aguas joined Porto and instead Inter signed Argentinean striker Ramon Diaz from Fiorentina (In Italy since 1982, which included spells with Napoli and Avellino as well).

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 103, October 1988

(Inter Milan’s Andreas Brehme, Lothar Matthaus and Walter Zenga)

Some of the other new arrivals included Belgian defender Stephane Demol at Bologna, Brazil’s Carlos Dunga at Fiorentina (after a one year loan at Pisa), Uruguay’s Ruben Sosa at Lazio along with compatriot Nelson Guttierez and Argentinean striker Gustavo Dezotti, Dutchman Mario Been (from Feyenoord) and Belgian striker Francis Severyns (from Antwerp) at Pisa, Swedish midfielder Robert Prytz at Atalanta (joining his compatriot Glenn Stromberg) young Argentinean duo of Claudio Caniggia and Pedro Troglio at Verona, Brazilians Luis Muller and Edu at Torino, along with Yugoslavia’s Haris Skoro, rising young Italian striker Ruggiero Rizzitelli (from Cesena) and Brazilian duo of Renato and Andrade at AS Roma.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 104, October-November 1988

(Torino’s Luis Muller)

Sampdoria registered the arrival of Italian veteran Giuseppe Dossena and Barcelona’s Spanish veteran Victor.

USSR star and former European Player of the Year Igor Belanov was also pursued for some time by newly promoted Atalanta, but when that did not materialize they signed Brazilian striker Evair from Guarani.

With all the transfers out of the way (as well as the Olympics), the Serie A got underway in October.

As for myself, my print press information was restricted to ‘Soccer America’ magazine. The previous year I had stumbled upon the RAI America broadcast of lives matches , as well as the superb highlight program ‘Novantesimo Minuto’. This routine would stay with for at least the following seven years or so.

In the first few weeks on all the big guns seemed in form. But as early as the Fifth Matchday (November 6^th), Inter gained sole command by defeating Sampdoria (1-0) from a goal by Berti. From the beginning Inter seemed formidable with all the new arrivals fully integrated including the foreigners.

The following Matchday (November 20^th) was significant as it set the pace for the rest of the season. Inter naturally defeated Como away (2-1) to maintain its lead, but two other results spoke volumes. Juventus, at home, were heavily defeated (3-5) by Napoli. Clearly, Juventus were not Scudetto ready and their results in the following weeks confirmed that. Zavarov would turn out to be just as disappointing as Rush and a pale shadow of his Kiev self. This Napoli was scoring at will and  just a few weeks before that they had defeated Pescara (8-2). With Giordano out, Andrea Carnevalle was back in as a starter and he would go on to score many goals with Careca and Maradona that season.

AC Milan also showed signs of stuttering and were defeated at home by Atalanta.

Their problems were further compounded the following week (November 27^th), when Napoli heavily defeated them (4-1). Their title defense already looked in tatters. By now Napoli were the closest challengers to a seemingly unbeatable Inter.

By Matchday 9 (December 11), AC Milan’s title hopes were over after losing the Milan derby to League leaders Inter from an Aldo Serena goal.

Serena seemed to be having his best season ever and his goalscoring exploits earned him a way back to the National team.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 157, January 1989

(Inter’s Alessandro Bianchi between AC Milan’s Alberigo Evani, Carlo Ancelotti, Franco Baresi and Franck Rijkaard,  December 11, 1989, Inter 1-AC Milan 0)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 157, January 1989

(Inter’s Giuseppe Bergomi and  AC Milan’s Paolo Virdis,  December 11, 1989, Inter 1-AC Milan 0)

By now Arrigo Sacchi’s job seemed in jeopardy. Ruud Gullit’s early season injury had disrupted the team’s play. In addition Sacchi could not decide on Rijkaard’s true position and he was shuffled between defense and midfield.

He finally decided to use his talents in midfield (too late to salvage the current League season) but as the season wore on , Milan’s play improved.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 4, May 1989

(Arrigo Sacchi)

The only result that saved Sacchi from the sack was Milan’s qualification to the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup. This was achieved after two difficult matches vs. Red Star Belgrade. In fact AC Milan seemed to be headed for a defeat in the return leg, when heavy fog stopped the play and the match was replayed the following day. A much more determined Milan held off Red Star in Belgrade and narrowly won a penalty kick shoot-out. In fact just about all-Italian squads advanced to the quarterfinals of European Cups, except surprisingly Inter who were eliminated in the UEFA Cup by Bayern Munich at home.

As far as Sacchi, the fog seemed to have saved his job. It was even reported that Berlusconi had contacted Johann Cruyff on more than one occasion to manage the team. It was not just the bad results, some believed Cruyff’s arrival would make it easier to keep van Basten at Milan.

Sacchi and Milan would concentrate on the Champions Cup with the Scudetto looking week after week Inter’s to take.

By Matchday 11 (December 31), AS Roma with a goal from the much-improved West German striker Rudi Voeller defeated Napoli and Inter’s away win at Lecce (3-0) gave them a three-point lead.

The top two teams played one another on Matchday 13 (January 15) at Naples. Inter, under true Trapattoni fashion, did what it was required to hold on for a scoreless tie against Maradona’s rampant Napoli and maintain its lead.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 4, May 1989

(Diego Maradona and Giuseppe Baresi, January 15, 1989, Napoli 0-Inter 0)

Inter held onto to its lead until the last day of the first round of matches (Matchday 17, February 12) when they visited Fiorentina. Fiorentina was having a strong season, with Roberto Baggio having come of age and scoring a glut of goals with his striking partner Stefano Borgonovo (who was actually on loan from AC Milan). They both gained International recognition that season, with Baggio headed for superstardom. Fiorentina defeated Inter (4-3) and Napoli’s win vs. Como (3-2) cut Inter’s lead to a solitary point.

However, this was a minor hiccup in Inter’s quest for the Scudetto and they would continue the second half of the season in record-breaking fashion when most rivals were concentrating on European glory.

Photo From:  Guerin Sportivo, April 26-May 2, 1989

(Fiorentina’s Roberto Baggio)

While Napoli were doing good on the field, matters off the field were as poor as last season. On February 15^th, Napoli President Corrado Ferlaino deemed it necessary to impose fines on both Maradona and Manager Ottavio Bianchi, after both had been critical of one another in the newspapers.

With Napoli also concentrating in the UEFA Cup (defeating Juventus in the quarterfinals, after overtime), they also seemed to give up on the Scudetto by Matchday 23 (April 2) after losing vs. Juventus at home (2-4), with Inter winning as usual vs. Como (4-0). Their lead was now a seemingly unassailable six points.

In the following month, AC Milan’s European dynasty in Europe was being born by defeating Real Madrid (5-0) (in the semifinals) and ultimate triumph vs. Steaua Bucharest (4-0) in the Final.

Similarly, Maradona finally triumphed in Europe by helping Napoli triumph in the UEFA Cup by defeating Bayern Munich in the semifinals and Jurgen Klinnsman’s Stuttgart in the Final.

Only Sampdoria failed to make it a clean sweep for Italy, after losing the Cup Winners Cup vs. Barcelona.

Inter just kept on winning in the League and racked up points and goals.

On Matchday 30 (May 28), Inter were to host the new UEFA Cup winners Napoli and a win would ensure them the title with four matches to go.

Napoli scored first through Careca, but an own goal by Luca Fusi, early in the second half evened the score. With seven minutes remaining, Lothar Matthaus scored from a powerful free kick to give Inter the win and the Scudetto with a nine-point lead. This was their 13^th Scudetto and their first since 1980.

By Matchday 32 (June 11), Inter’s win over Atalanta (4-2) coupled with Napoli’s loss at Ascoli (0-2) gave Inter an unbelievable 12-point lead.

A bizarre incident at Napoli’s loss vs. Ascoli somewhat undermined their positive campaign. When Careca was injured, reserve goalkeeper Raffaele Di Fusco replaced him. Bianchi blamed the fact that he had no choice since as much as six first teamers were missing. The Federation even reported Napoli to the disciplinary commission for not fielding a strong enough team

An angry Careca declared that besides the UEFA Cup, the entire Napoli season had been a disappointment (off the field that is).

A disinterested Napoli also lost the final of Coppa Italia to Sampdoria, who retained the title.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 5, June 1989

(Careca scoring vs. Stuttgart, May 17, 1989, UEFA Cup, Stuttgart 3-Napoli 3)

Inter suffered their second defeat of the season on Matchday 33 (June 19) vs. Torino (0-2). The once powerful Torino would suffer relegation, along with Pescara, Pisa and Como.

On the last day of matches (Matchday 34, June 25), Inter defeated Fiorentina (2-0) to win with a record breaking 58 points (beating Juventus’ record dating back to 1960). They had only dropped 10 points all season and won 26 of their 34 matches. They won with an 11-point lead over Napoli, who just edged out a resurgent AC Milan by one point. Juventus finished three points behind Milan. They were an improvement on the previous season but clearly did not have the potential to win a League title.

Aldo Serena was Capocannoniere with 22 goals, ahead of Careca and van Basten. Giovanni Trapattoni won the Scudetto with a second team, after having won the previous six (1977, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1984 and 1986) with Juventus. This would be his last Scudetto win. Inter’s departing veteran Pietro Fanna (due to rejoin former club Verona) became only the fourth player in Serie A history to win the Scudetto with three different teams (Juventus (1978, 1981, 1982) and Verona (1985)). 

Aldo Serena would become the fifth in 1992 after winning the title with AC Milan.

All that remained was a final playoff between AS Roma and Fiorentina for the final UEFA Cup qualifying place. Fiorentina’s Veteran striker Roberto Pruzzo ended his Serie A career by scoring the winner vs. the club with which he had spent his best years.

In addition to Pruzzo many others bid farewell as well. While Antonio Cabrini still remained in the Serie A (joining Bologna), he waved goodbye to his beloved Juventus after over a decade.

Fiorentina Manager, the Swedish Sven-Goran Eriksson left Italy after five years and rejoined one of his former clubs, Portugal’s Benfica.

Roma’s Brazilian pair of Andrade and Renato left after a disappointing season.

Brazilian Junior left Italian Football and returned to Flamengo after five years and one final season with Pescara.

Ramon Diaz signed off his Italian career after his most successful season (12 goals) and signed for AS Monaco. He was to be replaced by the much younger and West German striker Jurgen Klinnsman.

Alessandro Altobelli left Juventus and the Serie A, to play one final season as a professional with Brescia in the Serie B.

Ottavio Bianchi finally left Napoli after years of disputes and tension.

Paolo Virdis left AC Milan to play out his final few seasons at Lecce.

Michael Laudrup left the Serie A and joined Barcelona.

Inter’s breathtaking title win seemed unbelievable in a League used to close and tight races. The addition of Klinnsman appeared to make them even stronger. No one would have believed at this point that Inter would not win another title for the next 17 years. Until the Calciopoli Scandal of 2006 awarded them the title and they would go on to win another four in a row.

But as always while Maradona was around, controversy was around the corner and similarly the off-season of 1989 would be dominated with his off the field antics (1989/90 season, to be continued…..)

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 6, July 1989

(Internazionale Milano Manager Giovanni Trapattoni)

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 40, April 2001

(Internazionale Milano squad, 1988/89, Top, left to right: Salvatore Nobile, Andrea Mandorlini, Riccardo Ferri, Nicola Berti, Bergamo, Corrado Verdelli, Aldo Serena, Gabriele Baraldi, Giuseppe Bergomi , Middle, left to right:  G. Della Casa, Ildebrando Stafico, Dario Morello, Raffaelle Paolino, Castellini (goalkeeper coach), Venturi (assistant coach), Giovanni Trapattoni, Fumagalli, Rocco, Giuseppe Baresi, Lothar Martthaus, M. Della Casa , Bottom, left to right: Gallo, Ramon Diaz, Gianfranco Mateolli, Astutillo Malgioglio, Walter Zenga, Luca Mondini, Massimo Ciocci, Alessandro Bianchi, Andreas Brehme)

When Calcio Ruled the Football World-A Personal Journey-Part 6 (1987/88)

The 1987/88 season started with Diego Maradona at the top of the World having led Napoli to their first Serie A title, one year after the World Cup triumph.

The ban of acquiring new foreign players had been lifted that led to the arrival on new foreign stars.

Napoli Manager Ottavio Bianchi and President Corrado Ferlaino had made a number of efficient signings to strengthen an already strong squad containing Maradona, as well as,  Italian Internationals Salvatore Bagni, Fernando De Napoli and the newly capped Ciro Ferrara.

Photo From:  Guerin Sportivo, November 18-24, 1987

(Diego Maradona, November 8, 1987, Como 0-Napoli 0)

Brazilian striker Careca, one of the top goalscorers from the 1986 World Cup, arrived from Sao Paulo. Another key arrival was the new International defender Giovanni Francini from Torino. Napoli also signed Maradona’s younger brother Hugo and loaned him to Ascoli.

Juventus, on the heels of Michel Platini’s retirement, made many new signings to replace retiring and ageing players, as former heroes like Antonio Cabrini and Gaetano Scirea were no longer the rocks they had been just a few years earlier.

Welsh striker Ian Rush of Liverpool, who was the most sought after player of Europe’s top teams, finally arrived after having signed over a year before (but still on ‘loan’ at Liverpool, as the borders were still closed to foreigners).

Juventus made a double signing from Verona, International defensive players Roberto Tricella (heir apparent to Scirea) and Luigi De Agostini.

Another defender Pasquale Bruno joined from Como.

Marino Magrin arrived from Atalanta to occupy Platini’s position and midfielder Angelo Alessio arrived from Avellino.

Giovanni Trappatoni in his second season in charge of Internazionale Milano still could count upon veterans such as Alessandro Altobelli, Pietro Fanna and Argentina’s Daniel Passarella. The new foreign signing was the young Belgian sensation Enzo Scifo from Anderlecht. Aldo Serena had also returned from a two-season loan at Juventus.

Nils Liedholm was back at the helm at AS Roma with new signing West German striker Rudi Voeller leading the attack having arrived from Werder Bremen.

Roma also registered the veteran Italian defender Fulvio Collovati , who joined after a forgettable season at Udinese.

Photo From:  Mondial, new series, Issue 92, November 1987

(Rudi Voeller at AS Roma, October 11, 1987, Juventus 1-AS Roma 0)

Brazilian veteran Junior joined newly promoted Pescara from Torino.

Swedish Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson left Roma to manage Fiorentina along with new signing: his compatriot Glenn Hysen joining from IFK Gothenburg.

Other foreign arrivals included the Yugoslavs Davor Jozic (Cesena), Davor Cop (Empoli) and Blaz Sliskovic (Pescara), Austria’s Toni Polster (Torino), Greek striker Nikos Anastopoulos (Avellino), England’s Paul Elliott (Pisa), Brazilians Carlos Dunga (Pisa) and Walter Casagrande (Ascoli) and West German defender Thomas Berthold (Verona).

The most exciting and hyped signings seemed to be those at Silvio Berlusconi’s AC Milan. The Dutch pair of Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten had arrived with a blaze of publicity from PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam respectively.

Italian International midfielder Carlo Ancelotti had arrived after many seasons at AS Roma, along with former Udinese midfielder Angelo Colombo.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, Issue 90, September 1987

(Marco van Basten upon his arrival at AC Milan)

They all joined a squad containing Franco Baresi, Mauro Tassoti, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Donadoni, Alberigo Evani, Daniele Massaro and veteran striker Pietro Paolo Virdis.

However, the biggest surprise was the man chosen to lead this squad. A relative unknown named Arrigo Sacchi who had impressed Berlusconi with the untraditional Italian tactic of Zonal attacking Football at Parma in the Serie B.

The significance of this appointment was still not apparent as Napoli started the season as they had left the previous one by setting the pace from early on.

Napoli picked up maximum points from its first five matches. Although one of those matches vs. Pisa, they had actually lost but were awarded full points after defender Alessandro Renica was hit by an object thrown by Pisa fans.

Careca was a successful buy and adapted well to the Serie A, in doing so, restricted Andrea Carnevalle’s opportunities that season. The press would dub Careca’s Association with Maradona and fellow striker Bruno Giordano as (MA-GI-CA).

Photo From:  Mondial, new series, issue 98, May 1988

(Napoli’s Antonio Careca)

While Careca and Napoli thrived, Juventus and Inter were already off the pace, as Rush and Scifo both struggled. By the Fourth Round of matches, Juventus had already lost twice.

By their Sixth, they lost their third by losing to Inter. The knives were already out for Rush, in contrast to AC Milan’s Ruud Gullit who took to the Serie A with delight.

Despite losing their Second Match of the Season (at home) to Fiorentina, Milan  were picking up points behind a runway Napoli.

Marco van Basten was injured early in the season and would miss much of the season, however, veteran striker Pietro Paolo Virdis and Daniel Massaro more than adequately replaced him by scoring many key goals.

Photo From:  Onze, Issue 142, October 1987

(Enzo Scifo at Internazionale Milano)

By the Ninth Round Juventus’ problems were further compounded when a home win vs. Cesena,  was reversed by the League due to another object  throwing incident.

As for myself, my information was still restricted to ‘Soccer America’ magazine. One day I was able to connect (with poor reception) to a Public Broadcasting Channel based in New York. This Channel broadcast for part of the day ‘RAI America’ that later I realized actually broadcast Serie A matches on Sundays (Early Morning Time in USA). Despite the reception problems (not to mention the Language barrier), I was delighted to see Maradona and the rest ‘Live’. Weeks after that on the same channel I stumbled upon the superb show ‘Novantesimo Minuto’ that showed all the Highlights of the Serie A matches.
By the Eleventh Round (December 13, 1987) of matches, the title appeared to be all Napoli’s. First they ended any Juventus hopes by defeating them (2-1) at home with a Maradona penalty kick near the end. On the same day, AC Milan defeated AS Roma, which was reversed by the League after another incident where Roma goalkeeper Franco Tancredi was hit by firecrackers from the stands. Tancredi was knocked unconscious and actually needed heart massage. Seventeen-year-old Angelo Peruzzi replaced him to make his Serie A debut.

Ruud Gullit’s successful integration at AC Milan, as well as the Dutch National Team’s resurgence was rewarded with him being awarded France Football’s Ballon d’Or in December.

Photo From:  Mondial, new series, issue 95,  February 1988

(Ruud Gullit, January 3, 1988, AC Milan 4-Napoli 1)

It was by the new year on January 3^rd, 1988 (Thirteenth Round) that AC Milan made everyone sit up and take notice by convincingly defeating leaders Napoli (4-1) and move into Second place.  By the following week, they defeated a demoralized Juventus at Turin with a Gullit header.

Photo From:  Mondial, new series, issue 96,  March 1988

(Fillipo Galli and Ian Rush, January 10, 1988, Juventus 0-AC Milan 1)

Despite the loss to Milan, Napoli still seemed more than capable of defending its crown with Maradona and Careca scoring freely.

By the Nineteenth Round, Napoli held as much as a five point lead over AC Milan.

On Matchday 21 (March 6^th), Napoli suffered a rare home defeat at the hands of AS Roma (1-2), but AC Milan could not take advantage as they were held scoreless at home by Verona and they only narrowed the gap by just one point.

The gap remained the same for the following weeks, however the 26^thRound of matches (April 17^th) was instrumental in changing the course of the title. Juventus defeated Napoli (3-1) with even Rush scoring. For its part AC Milan defeated AS Roma away (0-2) and Napoli’s lead was cut to two points.

By the following week the lead was cut to a mere point, after AC Milan defeated cross-town rivals Inter (2-0) and Napoli were held by Verona (1-1).

The 28^th Round (May 1) was the title decider of sorts as Napoli hosted AC Milan. By now AC Milan’s confidence was greater as they had gained strength as the season had progressed with the Sacchi gamble seemingly having paid off. They were not only winning but also playing a pressing attacking game that delighted the fans used to the Catenaccio culture for decades.

By now Marco van Basten had also returned from his long injury layoff, though he still was not well enough to start, but would make substitute appearances.

The match ended Napoli’s title hopes, while simultaneously starting the great AC Milan story. The match was (1-1) at halftime, with Virdis scoring first and Maradona replying with a free kick. In the second half, the more confident AC Milan took the game to Napoli and scored twice through Virdis again and van Basten with Gullit instrumental in the goals. Napoli pulled one goal back by Careca but clearly Milan had been the better team and deservedly led for the first time in the season by one point with two matches remaining.

AC Milan was held to a scoreless draw for its next match vs. Juventus, but Napoli continued its implosion by losing to Fiorentina and now AC Milan had a two point lead with one match remaining.

The Napoli players issued a statement blaming their end of season loss of form due to lack of communication with Manager Ottavio Bianchi.

AC Milan clinched the title on May 15^th by tying at Como (1-1) as Napoli once again lost at home to Sampdoria.

This was the first Scudetto of the Berlusconi era and AC Milan’s first since 1979. The significance of this achievement has been underscored through the decades. This was the first building block on route to Champions Cup glory for the following two decades to come. The tactical revolution this win would bring forth has also been referenced through the years as Sacchi’s success would slowly usher an era of change in Serie A tactics away from the rigid Catenaccio and abundance of scoreless matches.

Photo From:  Guerin Sportivo, May 18-24, 1988

(Arrigo Sacchi after having won the title, May 15, 1988, Como 1-AC Milan 1)

For its part Juventus somewhat salvaged a disastrous season by defeating Torino on penalty kick shoot-out after a scoreless tie for a UEFA Cup playoff spot.

This turned out to be the last season that the Serie A was held with 16 teams, from the following season the Serie A was increased to 18 teams. Also teams were authorized to have three foreigners.

There were many departures, as players such as Rush, Polster, Anastopoulos and Scifo either left Italy to go back home or regroup in a different League.

Napoli’s collapse at the end of the season paved the way for a clear out of the mutineers Salvatore Bagni, Bruno Giordano, Moreno Ferrario and Claudio Garella, while veteran Giuseppe Bruscolotti retired.

Rino Marchesi was sacked at Juventus, soon to be replaced with former legend Dino Zoff.

Alessandro Altobelli left Internazionale after eleven years and joined Juventus.

Many long serving foreign stars left the League such as Denmark’s Klaus Berggreen and Preben Elkjaer, Austria’s Walter Schachner, Argentina’s Daniel Passarella.

The retirees included the likes of Gaetano Scirea, Poland’s Zbigniew Boniek and West German Hans-Peter Briegel.

That summer ended with Gullit and van Basten leading the Dutch with their future teammate Frank Rijkaard in winning the UEFA European Championships.

The future looked Red and Black, as well as Dutch, as a new era seemed to have begun in tactics and mentality. However, Trappatoni still had not said his last word (1988/89 season, to be continued…..)

Photo From:  Guerin Sportivo, May 18-24, 1988

(AC Milan squad, 1987/88)