Francesco Graziani
Fiorentina forward who narrowly missed the Serie A title in 1981–82.
Francesco "Ciccio" Graziani (born 16 December 1952) is an Italian football manager and former football player who played as a forward.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 16 December 1952
- Birthplace
- Subiaco, Italy
- Height
- 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in
- Position
- Forward
- Total caps
- 413
- Total goals
- 142
Lore & Background
Graziani began his career with Arezzo in 1970, and later joined Torino in 1973, where he remained until 1981, winning a Serie A title in 1976 and the Capocannoniere title as the Serie A top goalscorer in 1977; with 122 total goals scored for Torino, he is the seventh-highest scorer in the history of the Torinese club behind Valentino Mazzola (123). He subsequently moved to Fiorentina, where he narrowly missed out on the Serie A title in his first season, and later also played for Roma between 1983 and 1986, winning two Coppa Italia titles and reaching the 1984 European Cup Final. He later spent two seasons with Udinese, before ending his career with Australian club APIA Leichhardt in 1988. At international level with the Italy national team, they won the 1982 FIFA World Cup, and made fourth-place finishes at the 1978 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1980. With 23 official goals, he is the ninth-highest all-time scorer for the Italy national team (tied with Christian Vieri). He is the father of , who was also a professional footballer. He considers himself Roman Catholic.
Reader's Guide
Graziani was a prolific and versatile forward, known for his composure in front of goal, and was capable of playing as a main striker, in a creative midfield role, or even on the wing, due to his ability to play off of his teammates. He showed great technical improvements throughout his career; these characteristics, along with his determination, work-rate, eye for goal, heading accuracy, ability in the air, and physical attributes, enabled him to excel as a centre-forward.
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