Claudio Gentile

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Born in Tripoli to Sicilian parents, Gentile moved to Brunate at age eight. He joined Juventus for a Coppa Italia match against Ascoli on 29 August 1973. His Serie A debut followed on 2 December 1973 against Verona. He won the 1976–77 UEFA Cup and the 1983–84 European Cup Winners' Cup with Juventus, alongside reaching the 1982–83 European Cup final where they lost to Hamburg.

In Their Own Story

In the 1982 World Cup second-round match against Argentina, Gentile marked Diego Maradona. He fouled him 11 times in the first half and 23 times total before quipping, 'Football is not for ballerinas!' Italy won that match 2–1. Later, he was tasked with marking Brazil's Zico as Italy won 3–2 against the tournament favorites. Although suspended for the semi-final against Poland, Gentile returned for the final against West Germany, which Italy won 3–1.

Reader's Guide

Gentile played both as a man-marking centre-back or 'stopper' and as a full-back on either flank. He could also operate as a sweeper later in his career or as a defensive midfielder. Despite being seen primarily as a defender, he was capable of getting up the flank to provide deliveries. He was only sent off once in his career during a European Cup semi-final against Club Brugge in April 1978.

Did You Know?

• Gentile was born in Tripoli, Libya, but moved to Italy at age eight.
• He fouled Diego Maradona 23 times in a single match during the 1982 World Cup.
• The Italian media nicknamed him 'Gaddafi' due to his birthplace and aggressive style, though he hated the name.
• He was named in the team of the tournament for both Euro 1980 and the 1982 World Cup.
• As a coach, he led Italy's U21 team to win the 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.