Francesco Graziani

Lore & Background

Graziani was born in Subiaco, in the province of Rome. He began his career with Arezzo in 1970, and later joined Torino in 1973. He made his Serie A debut on 18 November 1973 against Sampdoria. His first Serie A goal was scored on 16 December 1973 against Bologna. He played eight seasons for Torino, scoring 122 goals in 289 games, winning the Serie A title in 1975–76 and the Capocannoniere title as top scorer in 1976–77. He later played for Fiorentina (1981–1983), Roma (1983–1986, winning two Coppa Italia titles and reaching the 1984 European Cup Final), Udinese, and Australian club APIA Leichhardt, ending his playing career in 1988. At international level, he won the 1982 FIFA World Cup with Italy and made fourth-place finishes at the 1978 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1980. He is the ninth-highest all-time scorer for Italy with 23 official goals. He considers himself Roman Catholic.

Reader's Guide

Graziani was a prolific and versatile forward, known for his composure in front of goal, heading accuracy, and physical attributes. He formed the famous 'Gemelli del gol' partnership with Paolo Pulici at Torino. He missed a penalty in the 1980 Coppa Italia final shoot-out defeat to Roma and also missed a penalty in the 1984 European Cup final shoot-out defeat to Liverpool. As a manager, he coached Fiorentina (1989–90), Reggina (1990), Avellino (1993), Catania (2001–02), Montevarchi (2003–04), and Cervia (2004–06), leading Cervia to promotion to Serie D. He later worked as a football pundit for Mediaset.

Did You Know?

• He is the seventh-highest scorer in Torino history with 122 goals, behind Valentino Mazzola (123).
• He scored the decisive goal in a 1–1 draw against Cameroon at the 1982 World Cup that helped Italy advance.
• He was forced off after 7 minutes in the 1982 World Cup final due to a shoulder injury.
• He has no known son who played professional football.