Stefano Tacconi

The only goalkeeper to win all international club competitions.

Stefano Tacconi (Italian pronunciation: [ˈsteːfano takˈkoːni]; born 13 May 1957) is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He is the only goalkeeper to have won all international club competitions, a feat he managed during his time with Juventus. At international level, he was largely used as a back-up goalkeeper behind Walter Zenga, which earned him the nickname "the best back-up keeper in the world". He was a member of the Italy squads that took part at the 1988 Summer Olympics, UEFA Euro 1988, and the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He is widely regarded by pundits as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, and as one of Italy's best ever goalkeepers.

Quick Facts

Born: 13 May 1957
Birthplace: Perugia, Italy
Height: 1.92 m / 6 ft 4 in
Position: Goalkeeper
Total caps: 495

Lore & Background

Tacconi got his first significant experience at Spoleto football club. Following this, having already attracted the interest of Inter Milan, he had his first brief stint as a professional with Pro Patria and Livorno before joining Sambenedettese. He then reached Serie A with Avellino in the 1980–81 season; he remained there for three years before joining Juventus in 1983, as a replacement for Dino Zoff. With Juventus, he won two scudetti in 1984 and 1986, the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1984, the 1984 European Super Cup, the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1985 and the 1985 Intercontinental Cup. In 1990 he won a UEFA Cup and a Coppa Italia double; the following season, he was named the team's captain. After ten years with Juventus, he transferred to Genoa in 1992, which was relegated to Serie B at the end of the season. He retired in 1994.

Reader's Guide

Tacconi made his senior international debut in a 3–1 win over Argentina on 10 June 1987. He was chosen by Dino Zoff as the starting goalkeeper for the Under-23 Italian Olympic side which reached the semi-finals in the 1988 Olympics. He was Zenga's deputy during Euro 1988 and the 1990 World Cup. In total, he made seven appearances for Italy between 1987 and 1991, all in friendly matches, conceding two goals. His final match was a 0–0 friendly draw with Belgium on 13 February 1991. After retiring, he had several disappointing experiences in politics. In August 2008, at age 51, he returned to active football with amateur club Arquata. He married Laura Speranza in 2011 and has four children. In October 2023, he was released from hospital following rehabilitation from a brain haemorrhage suffered in April 2022.