Renzo Burini

Lore & Background

Burini played for 12 seasons (330 games, 123 goals) in the Italian Serie A for A.C. Milan and S.S. Lazio. He made his debut with Milan at the age of 20, in an 8–1 win over Bari, marking the occasion with a brace. He scored 12 goals during the 1950–51 Serie A season, helping Milan capture the league title after a 44-year wait, and also won the Latin Cup later that season. He is remembered by Lazio fans for his contribution to winning the first major trophy for the club, the Coppa Italia in 1958, and for his performance in two Derby della Capitale games against cross-city rivals Roma: in Lazio's 1955 3–1 Rome Derby victory, he scored two goals, and in the 1958 edition of the Rome Derby, he scored one and set up Arne Selmosson for another in a 2–1 victory.

In Their Own Story

The end of Burini's nine-season chapter at AC Milan arrived following the conclusion of the 1953–54 Serie A season. As the Rossoneri secured third place behind Inter and Juventus, the club faced a roster overhaul. Burini and Annovazzi were the primary figures to depart after their long service, making way for new faces like Jørgen Sørensen, Mario Bergamaschi, and Alberto Piccinini. This shift occurred as Umberto Trabattoni stepped down as president after 14 years at the helm, ending an era that included the club's first scudetto in 44 years. Despite Nordahl scoring 23 goals to lead the league for the fourth time in five seasons, the team could not secure a higher finish.

Reader's Guide

A versatile forward, Burini could play both as a striker and as a winger, and was known for his pace and eye for goal.

Did You Know?

• Burini made his debut for the Italy national team on 8 April 1951 against Portugal and scored on his debut.
• He was a member of the Italy squad at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
• He was among the top 10 goalscorers of Serie A for three seasons: 1949–50, 1951–52, 1952–53.
• Burini is in the A.C. Milan Hall of Fame.