Renato Curi

Perugia midfielder who died on the pitch in 1977

Renato Curi (20 September 1953 – 30 October 1977) was an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder. He is best known for his tenure as a Perugia mainstay in the 1970s until his tragic death during a league game against Juventus.

Quick Facts

Role: Central Midfielder
Affiliation: Perugia
Key era: Mid-1970s to 1977
Status: Deceased (Heart attack during match)
Legacy: Symbol of Tragedy and Perugia Icon

Lore & Background

Renato Curi was born in Montefiore dell'Aso, Province of Ascoli Piceno in 1953. He started his professional career in 1969 with then-amateur club Giulianova, helping his side win promotion to Serie C. He left Giulianova in 1973 for Como, and then joined Serie B club Perugia one year later. Under the guidance of coach Ilario Castagner, he contributed to Perugia's historical first promotion to Serie A and became a grifoni mainstay. His impressive performances were instrumental in securing Perugia a historic sixth-place finish in their 1976–77 Serie A campaign, fueling rumours of a possible call-up to the Italy national football team, which never came to fruition. He died on 30 October 1977, during a home match against Juventus, just five minutes into the second half, due to a myocardial infarction.