Giuseppe Savoldi

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Born in Gorlago, Bergamo, Savoldi made his debut in Serie A in 1965 with Atalanta. From 1968 to 1975 he played for Bologna, making 201 appearances and scoring 85 goals. He won two Coppa Italia titles (1969–70, 1973–74), finishing as top scorer in both editions with ten goals. He also won the Anglo-Italian League Cup in 1970 and the Serie A top scorer award in 1972–73 with 17 goals. In 1975, he was signed by Napoli for a then world record two billion Lira (£1.2 million), becoming football's first million pound player. With Napoli, he won his third Coppa Italia in 1975–76 and was Coppa Italia top scorer in 1977–78 with 12 goals. He also helped Napoli win the Anglo-Italian League Cup in 1976. Savoldi ended his career playing with Bologna once again, before finally returning to Atalanta for one season (1982–83) in Serie B.

In Their Own Story

The fog rolled off the Bay of Naples, blurring the floodlights into hazy halos as the San Paolo erupted—a deafening ocean of azure. Savoldi stood at the edge of the box, chest heaving, eyes locked on the ball settling at his feet. He didn't need to look up; he felt the cross before it left the winger's boot. In a singular, explosive leap, he rose above the defenders like a colossus, connecting with a header that cracked through the silence of the opposition for a split second. As the net rippled violently, the roar that followed wasn't just applause; it was pure, unadulterated belief.

Reader's Guide

Savoldi was a versatile and prolific forward, capable of playing as a centre-forward, striker, left winger, or attacking midfielder. He was known for his pace, strength, aerial ability, and accuracy from penalties; with 45 goals from the spot, he is the fourth-most prolific penalty taker in Serie A history. He made four appearances for Italy in 1975, scoring his only international goal from a penalty in a 3–2 friendly win over Greece on 30 December.

Did You Know?

• Savoldi was the world's first million-pound player when Napoli signed him in 1975 for £1.2 million.
• He won the Serie A top scorer award in 1972–73 with 17 goals.
• He is the fourth-most prolific penalty taker in Serie A history with 45 penalty goals.
• His son Gianluca Savoldi also played in Serie A and represented Napoli in Serie B.