Ferruccio Valcareggi facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 12 February 1919 | ||
| Place of birth | Trieste, Italy | ||
| Date of death | 2 November 2005 (aged 86) | ||
| Place of death | Florence, Italy | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1937–1940 | Triestina | ||
| 1940–1943 | Fiorentina | ||
| 1944 | Milan | ||
| 1944–1947 | Bologna | ||
| 1947–1948 | Fiorentina | ||
| 1948–1949 | Vicenza | ||
| 1949–1951 | Lucchese | ||
| 1951–1952 | Brescia | ||
| 1952–1954 | Piombino | ||
| Teams managed | |||
| 1952–1954 | Piombino | ||
| 1954–1959 | Prato | ||
| 1959–1962 | Atalanta | ||
| 1962–1964 | Fiorentina | ||
| 1964–1965 | Atalanta | ||
| 1966–1974 | Italy | ||
| 1975–1978 | Hellas Verona | ||
| 1979–1980 | Roma | ||
| 1979–1984 | Italy B | ||
| 1985 | Fiorentina | ||
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Ferruccio Valcareggi (born February 12, 1919 – died November 2, 2005) was an Italian football player and coach. He played as a midfielder, which is a player who helps both in defense and attack.
Contents
Playing Career Highlights
Ferruccio Valcareggi was born in Trieste, Italy, on February 12, 1919. He was a central midfielder, good at both attacking and defending. He played for nine different teams during his career.
He started playing professionally in 1937 with his hometown club, Triestina. He also played for famous clubs like Fiorentina, A.C. Milan, and Bologna. In 1946, he won the Coppa Alta Italia with Bologna.
Valcareggi ended his playing career in 1954 with Piombino. He scored 73 goals in 403 matches. Of these, 59 goals were scored in Serie A, Italy's top football league. He never played for the Italian national team as a player.
Becoming a Coach
Valcareggi is best known for his successful career as a coach, especially with the Italy national football team. He started coaching in 1952, while still playing, for Piombino.
After that, he managed several Italian club teams. He helped Prato win the 1956–57 Serie C title and get promoted to Serie B. He also coached Atalanta and Fiorentina.
Coaching the Italian National Team
In 1966, Valcareggi became the coach of the Italian national team. He led the team from 1966 to 1974. During his time, Italy lost only six games in eight years, which is a great record!
European Championship Victory
Under Valcareggi, Italy won the 1968 European Championship. This was a huge achievement for the team, as they won the tournament on their home soil.
1970 FIFA World Cup Final
Two years later, Valcareggi guided Italy to the final of the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. They played against Brazil in the final but lost. Even so, reaching the World Cup final was a big success.
The "Staffetta" Tactic
During the 1970 World Cup, Valcareggi used a special tactic called "staffetta," which means "relay." He had two amazing attacking players, Gianni Rivera and Sandro Mazzola. He believed they couldn't play together for the whole game because they were both creative midfielders. Also, Rivera was not known for his defensive work.
So, Valcareggi decided that Mazzola would play the first half of each match. Then, Rivera would come on for the second half. The idea was that opponents would be tired in the second half, giving Rivera more space to create chances. This tactic was criticized by the media, especially after Italy's performance in the final.
Leaving the National Team
Valcareggi also helped Italy qualify for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. However, the team was knocked out in the first round of the tournament. After this, Valcareggi stepped down as Italy's head coach.
After his time with the national team, Valcareggi continued to coach club teams in Italy. He managed Hellas Verona and Roma. He also coached the Italian youth B Team.
Valcareggi's Coaching Style
Valcareggi's coaching style for the Italian national team was often based on strong defense. He used a system that focused on keeping the team stable and not letting in many goals. This meant Italy often won games with low scores, which some people found boring.
However, his teams were very good at holding onto a lead once they scored. During the 1970 World Cup, his team played a slower game because of the high altitude. This allowed his players to show off their technical skills.
Valcareggi was also known for his calm approach and for building good relationships with his players. He was seen as fair and honest, and he always dressed elegantly.
Personal Life
In September 1943, Ferruccio Valcareggi married Anna Peruzzi. They had three children together.
Death
Ferruccio Valcareggi passed away in Florence, Italy, on November 2, 2005, at the age of 86.
Awards and Honours
Player
Bologna
- Coppa Alta Italia: 1945–46
Coach
Prato
- Serie C: 1956–57
Italy
- UEFA European Championship: 1968
- FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1970
Individual
- Seminatore d'oro: 1956–57, 1972–73
- Italian Football Hall of Fame: 2011
- Fiorentina Hall of Fame
See also
In Spanish: Ferruccio Valcareggi para niños
