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Gianni Rivera

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Not to be confused withGianni Ravera.
Giovanni Rivera
Official portrait, 1996
Member of European Parliament
In office
25 May 2005 – 13 July 2009
ConstituencyNorth-West Italy
Member of theChamber of Deputies
In office
2 July 1987 – 29 May 2001
ConstituencyMilan
Personal details
Born(1943-08-18)18 August 1943(age 81)[1][2]
Alessandria,Italy[1][2]
Political partyCD(2013)
DL(2002–2007)
Dem(1999–2002)
Segni Pact(1994–1996)
DC(1987–1994)
Height1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[3]
Occupation
Association football career
Position(s)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1959–1960 Alessandria[2] 26 (6)
1960–1979 AC Milan[1] 501 (122)
Total 527 (128)
International career
1962–1974 Italy[4][5] 60 (14)
Medal record
Men'sFootball
RepresentingItaly
UEFA European Championship
Winner 1968 Italy
FIFA World Cup
Runner-up 1970 Mexico
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Giovanni"Gianni"Rivera(Italian pronunciation:[ˈdʒanniriˈvɛːra];born 18 August 1943) is an Italian politician and formerfootballerwho played as anattacking midfielder.

Dubbed Italy's "Golden Boy" by the media, he played the majority of his club career with Italian sideAC Milan,after beginning his career with hometown clubAlessandriain 1959. After joining Milan in 1960, he enjoyed a highly successful career indomesticandEuropean football,winning threeSerie Atitles and twoEuropean Cups,among several other trophies, and also serving as the team'scaptainfor twelve seasons.

At international level, Rivera representedItaly national team60 times between 1962 and 1974, scoring 14 goals, and took part at fourWorld Cups(1962,1966,1970,and1974). Rivera is widely remembered for scoring the decisive goal in Italy's 4–3 extra-time win overWest Germanyin thesemi-finalof the1970 World Cup,leading the team tofinal,only to suffer a 4–1 defeat againstBrazil,however. Rivera was also a member of the first Italian side ever to win theEuropean Football Championshipin1968,on home soil, and represented Italy at the1960 Summer Olympicsin Rome, helping the team to a fourth-place finish.[6]

Rivera was an elegant, efficient, and creative offensiveplaymaker,with an eye for goal, who possessed excellent vision and technical ability, and who was highly regarded for his footballing intelligence, leadership, correct behaviour, and class.[7]He is widely considered to be one of the best passers and most talented offensive playmakers of all time, due to his passing accuracy and his adeptness at providing assists.[8][9][10]Regarded as one of the best players of his generation, one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time,[11]and by some as Italy's greatest player ever,[12][13][14]he was awarded theBallon d'Orin 1969, and placed 19th inIFFHS's election for the World Player of the 20th Century.[15]In 2015, he became the first Italian footballer out of 100 athletes to be inducted into Italy's sportsWalk of Fame.[16]In 2004,Peléchose Rivera as part of theFIFA 100greatest living footballers,[17]and he placed 35th in theUEFA Golden Jubilee Poll.[18]

After retiring from football in 1979, Rivera became Milan's vice-president and later went into politics in1987.In 2013, he was appointed as President of the educational youth sector for the Italy national team by theFIGC,along withRoberto BaggioandArrigo Sacchi,under head coachCesare Prandelli.[19][20][21]

Early life

[edit]

Rivera was born inAlessandria,Piedmont, to Edera and Teresio; his father was a railway worker. Gianni began playing football with local side ASD Don Bosco, where he was scouted by former Milan midfielderFranco Pedroni,who was the assistant coach at Alessandria at the time, prompting Rivera to join the local Serie A side at the age of 13.[1][2][7][8][9][22]

Club career

[edit]

1959–1962: Debut with Alessandria, early years with AC Milan and firstscudetto

[edit]

"He's an elegant young player with a remarkable touch."

—Giuseppe Meazzacomments on Rivera after watching him play with Milan for the first time.[2]

Nicknamedl'Abatino,andthe Golden Boyof Italian football throughout his career,[1][2][22][23][24]Rivera was the product of his hometown club's youth football academy; he joined the first team in 1958 and made his debut inSerie Afor theAlessandriasenior side againstInternazionaleon 2 June 1959 at the age of only fifteen years, nine months and fifteen days, in a 1–1 draw; later that year, he scored his first Serie A goal in a 2–2 home draw withSampdoriaon 25 October. He is thethird youngest player in historyto debut in Serie A, behind onlyAmedeo AmadeiandPietro Pellegri,[1][2][8][25]and the second youngest goalscorer in Serie A, behind only Amadei.[1][2][8]A year later, he was bought byAC Milanon a co-ownership deal, as an eventual replacement for the club's captainJuan Schiaffinoin theplaymaking role;although the club's officials were concerned about Rivera's diminutive physique during his trial, Schiaffino insisted that the talented youngster be offered a contract, and later served as a mentor to the young attacking midfielder.[1][2][7][8]Rivera spent hisfirst seasonat the club back on a year-long loan with Alessandria; during the season, he scored a goal in a 1–1 draw with Milan on 7 February 1960, and played 26 matches in total, in which he scored 6 goals, also earning the nicknameIl Signorino(the little gentleman).[1][2][24][26]Despite Alessandria's relegation, Rivera's performances throughout the season impressed Milan, who later that year signed the youngster outright from Alessandria for another 65 million Lire, making his total transfer fee at the time a notable sum of 130 million Lire; the transfer fee paid by Milan to Alessandria also included the sale ofGiancarlo Migliavacca,andSergio Bettinion loan.[1][7][8][27][28]Rivera's final appearance with Alessandria came on 19 June 1960, in a 2–0 home defeat againstFC La Chaux-de-Fondsin the first-ever edition of theCoppa delle Alpi.[28]

Juan Schiaffinoand Rivera in 1960.

Rivera made his Milan debut on 18 September 1960, in a 3–5 away win over his former club Alessandria in theCoppa Italia,under managerGiuseppe Viani,who later gave Rivera his famed nicknamethe Golden Boy.[1][2][22][24]Rivera's Milan league debut came in a 3–0 home win againstCataniaon 25 September,[1]and he later also appeared in a 5–1 win overBolognaon 9 October 1960;[2]he scored his first goal with Milan on 6 November, the match-winning goal in a 4–3 away win overJuventus,at the age of seventeen.[29]During hisfirst seasonwith Milan, he played alongside several legendary Milan players, such asCesare Maldini,Giovanni Trapattoni,Dino Sani,Fabio Cudicini,andJosé Altafini,among others, immediately breaking into the starting line-up, and being handed the number 10 shirt, as Milan finished the league season in second place.[1][2][8][9][22][30]After initially struggling to gain playing time under new managerNereo Roccoduring the1961–62 season,his second at the club, also being linked with loans toVicenzaandJuventus,Rivera won his way back into the starting line-up and played a decisive role as he won his firstscudettowith Milan, scoring 10 goals in the league; in the title deciding match on 8 April 1962 againstTorino,Rivera scored in a 4–2 win, as Milan won the title with two matches to spare. Throughout his career, Rivera formed an important relationship with the legendary manager andcatenacciomastermind; he played a key role in the club's successes under Rocco, who subsequently built a hard-working, winning team around Rivera that complemented the midfielder's creative playing style.[1][2][8][9][22][30][31]Due to his performances throughout the season, on 13 May 1962, aged just eighteen, Rivera played his first competitive match for theItaly national teamat that year'sWorld Cupin Chile.[2][9][32]A precocious talent, despite his young age, Rivera soon became known for his ability to orchestrate Milan's attacking moves, as well as his leadership within the team, and he served as the club'scaptainfor 12 of his 19 seasons with Milan after being handed the armband in 1966, at the age of 23.[1][2][8][22][23][33]

1962–1970: International successes with AC Milan

[edit]
Rivera lifting theCup Winners' Cupin1968.

Rivera's 1962scudettovictory with Milan under Nereo Rocco enabled the team to qualify for theEuropean Cupin1962,and earned him a sixth-place finish in that year'sBallon d'Or.[30]Despite missing out on the Serie A title the following season, Rivera played a key role in helping Milan finally win their first ever European Cup title in 1963, at the age of twenty, defeatingBenfica2–1 in thefinal.Rivera was in great form during the match, providing two notable assists forJosé Altafini's goals; he finished the season in double figures once again with 11 goals for Milan in all competitions, while he made 40 appearances throughout the season for both club and country. Milan suffered a defeat in theIntercontinental Cup,however, in a playoff match againstSantosfollowing a 6–6 draw on aggregate.[34]For his performances, Rivera was awarded second place in the prestigious Ballon d'Or award that year, which was won by the Russian goalkeeperLev Yashin.[1][7][8][9]With the departure of Nereo Rocco to Torino, Milan struggled to replicate the same level of success during the next few seasons, missing out on the league title tocross-city rivalsInterin1965;despite the club's loss of form during this period, Rivera's performances continued to be decisive, as he managed ninth, seventh, and sixteenth placements respectively in theBallon d'Orin 1964, 1965, and 1967, while he helped Milan win theCoppa Italiaduring the1966–67season, finishing the competition as top-scorer, with 7 goals.[1][2][7][35]

Rivera lifting theBallon d'Orin 1969.

In the1967–68 season,Nereo Rocco returned to the club and rebuilt the team's offence around Rivera; as a result, Milan managed a double, as the team won both theScudetto,and theCup Winners' Cupfinal,with a 2–0 win overHamburger SVin the latter tournament. Rivera scored 11 goals in Serie A as Milan won the league title with a nine-point advantage over runners-upNapoli;he also played for Italy that summer as they won the1968 European Championshipon home soil, earning praise from journalistGianni Brera,who described him as the greatest Italian player post-World War II.[1][7][9][32]Despite his performances and success throughout the season, Rivera missed out on theBallon d'Orhowever, which was awarded toEuropean CupwinnerGeorge Best,with Rivera finishing in ninth place in the final rankings.[7]The next season saw Rivera and Milan emerge victorious in theEuropean Cup,winning thefinaloverJohan Cruyff'sAjax,a match which is regarded as one of Rivera's greatest, most dominant, and most virtuosic performances: playing in thenumber 10 role,Rivera captained Milan to a 4–1 victory at theSantiago Bernabeu stadiumin Madrid, setting up two ofPrati'sthree goals in the final.[1][7][8]In addition to the European Cup that season, Rivera also won theIntercontinental Cupin a physical encounter againstEstudiantes,scoring a goal in a 2–1 defeat in the second leg, after Milan had won the first leg 3–0; these successes finally earned him theBallon d'Orin 1969, making him the first Italian-born player, and the second Italian player afterOmar Sívori,to win the award.[1][2][7][8][9][22]

1970–1979: Later years with AC Milan

[edit]

In the 70s, Rivera's continued strong performances led Milan on to two moreCup Winners' Cup finals,one in1973and another in1974;Rivera managed to win the 1973 final with Milan in a hard-fought 1–0 victory againstLeeds,[32]but the following year, Milan suffered a 2–0 defeat againstMagdeburgin the final of the tournament.[1][7]Rivera also suffered a 6–1 defeat on aggregate againstAjaxin the1973European Supercupfinal with Milan. During the early 70s, Rivera also won two consecutiveCoppa Italiatitles with theRossoneri,in1972,and1973;one of his most prominent performances in the Coppa Italia during the 70s was in the1970–71edition of the tournament, in which Milan finished in second place, largely due to Rivera's 7 goals in the competition, which earned him the title of top-scorer.[1][2][7]His decisive individual performances saw him place eighteenth in the1972 Ballon d'Or,and eighth in the1973 Ballon d'Or.Despite these titles, Milan struggled to achieve similar success in Serie A during this period; in the1970–71,1971–72and the1972–73seasons, Milan managed three consecutive second places in Serie A, also reaching the semi-finals of theUEFA Cupduring the1971–72season.[7]Rivera missed most of the club's league matches during the 1971–72 season, as he was banned for a record nine matches after protesting a penalty awarded by the referee Michelotti in a match againstCagliari.Rivera picked up a three-month suspension because of his statements against Italian referees, suggesting that they favoured Milan's rivals Inter and Juventus; coincidentally, the latter team won the Serie A title that season.[1][7][9][33]Rivera finished the1972–73season astop-scorerin Serie A alongsidePaolo PuliciandGiuseppe Savoldi,with 17 goals in 28 league matches, and scored a personal best of 20 goals in all club competitions, as, despite winning both the Coppa Italia and the Cup Winners' Cup, Milan once again finished in second place in the league, narrowly missing out on the Serie A title to Juventus, after infamously losing out againstVeronaon the final matchday of the season.[1][7][9]

Romeo Benetti,Luciano Chiarugi,Rivera andGiuseppe SabadiniatSchipholin May 1974.

Following Rocco's second departure from the club in 1973, the club's management attempted to persuade Rivera to leave Milan, although Rivera ultimately chose to remain with the club.[7][33]During this period, Milan also reached theCoppa Italiafinal during the1974–75season, and won another Coppa Italia title in the1976–77season.[1][7][9]Rivera won the lastscudettoof his playing career in his final season with the club, under managerNils Liedholm,at the age of 35; despite his own advancing age and physical decline, he still contributed to Milan's League title in1979,the club's tenth overall, with 13 appearances and a goal, which earnedThe Devilsa star on their jersey.[1][7][9][33]His final career appearance came in a 1–1 away draw withLazioin the league, on 13 May; he officially announced his retirement on 10 June.[1]In total, Rivera played for Milan in 501 Serie A matches and scored 122 league goals, with a total of 164 goals in 658 appearances in all competitions for Milan. With 128 goals in 527 Serie A appearances across 20 seasons, he is the11th most capped player in Serie A historyand the highest-scoring midfielder in the league's history.[1][2][7][32]With105 league assists, he is also the fourth-highest assist provider of all time in Serie A history,behind onlyFrancesco Totti,Roberto Baggio, andAlessandro Del Piero.[36]In total, Rivera scored 170 goals in all club competitions in 684 appearances.[1][2]

International career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]
Rivera'snumber 10Italy shirt, worn againstBulgariaon 20 April 1968.

Rivera was a part of theItaly national sidebetween 1962 and 1974. Rivera made his international debut with theunder-21 sideon 9 March 1960, scoring 2 goals in a 4–1 pre-Olympicfriendly win overSwitzerland,alongsideGiacomo Bulgarelli.At the Summer Olympics in Rome, Rivera made his tournament debut in a 4–1 win againstTaiwan,at the age of seventeen, and teamed up with Bulgarelli in midfield to help the Italians to a fourth-place finish under Viani, scoring three goals in five matches.[1][24][33][37][38]

With the Italian senior side, Rivera made his debut on 13 May 1962 in a 3–1 away win againstBelgium,at the age of eighteen. He took part at the1962 FIFA World Cupin Chile with the national team, and made both his first ever competitive and World Cup appearance for Italy at the tournament, in a 0–0 draw againstWest Germanyon 31 May; this was his only appearance in the competition, however, as Italy disappointed and suffered a controversial first-round elimination.[37]Despite Rivera's creative talent, offensive capabilities, and technical skills, the celebrated Italian sports journalistGianni Brerawas critical of the youngster's performance, due to his lack of pace, physicality, and his poor defensive work-rate, nicknaming himl'Abatino(the littleabbot), and also stating that the in-formAngelo Sormanishould have played in his place.[1][2][7][22][23][24]Later that year, on his fourth international appearance, Rivera also scored his first goal for Italy on 2 December, at the age of 19 years and 206 days, in a 6–0 home win overTurkey,in Italy's openingEuro 1964 qualifying match,making him Italy's second-youngest goalscorer ever at the time, behind onlyBruno Nicolè,and the youngest player ever to score a goal for Italy in a competitive match; he later also added a second goal during the match, making him the youngest player ever to score a brace for Italy in a competitive match.[39][40]

Rivera was later also included in Italy's squad for the1966 FIFA World Cupin England; during the tournament, Rivera was critical ofEdmondo Fabbri's defensive-minded system, and the Italians suffered another first-round elimination following an unexpected defeat toNorth Koreain their final group match. Despite the early elimination, Brera singled out Rivera as the only Italian player to have put in a strong performance on this occasion;[1][7][24][31]during the tournament, Rivera was invited into a woman's back garden to examine her plough.[41]Following two disappointing tournaments with Italy, Rivera was excluded from the Italian squad under managerHelenio Herrera,who mainly fielded players from hisGrande Interside; it was only at the insistence of Brera that Rivera was brought back into the Italian side.[24][42]Under managerFerruccio Valcareggi,Rivera was later part of the victorious Italian side that won their first European Championship in1968,on home soil; however, despite picking up a winner's medal in the tournament, Rivera missed thefinalagainstYugoslavia,after sustaining an injury at the beginning of the semi-final match againstSoviet Union,which ended in a 0–0 draw; Italy subsequently advanced to the final on a coin toss. Despite playing the entire game with a muscle strain, Rivera put in a strong performance during the semi-final.[7][32][42]

1970 World Cup

[edit]
Rivera playing forItalyalongsideSandro Mazzola;the two players would be involved in managerFerruccio Valcareggi's infamous "Staffetta" policy at the1970 FIFA World Cup.

Rivera subsequently played with theSquadra Azzurra(Italy national team) in the1970 FIFA World Cuphosted by Mexico. At the prime of his career, much was expected of him throughout the tournament; after a slow start, his excellent form in the knock-out stages saw him become Italy's star player throughout the competition, as they reached the final, only to lose out 4–1 to aPelé-ledBrazilside.[7]Prior to the tournament, the Italian team was thrown into turmoil followingPietro Anastasi's last-minute injury, which ruled the striker out of the competition;Roberto BoninsegnaandPierino Pratiwere called up in his place, whileGiovanni Lodetti,who was Rivera's midfield partner and defensive foil at Milan, was dropped from the team; as a result, Rivera was at the centre of controversy when he accused the Italy national team supervisor Walter Mandelli of leading a media campaign against him, and of also wanting to exclude him from the team, which only put his place on the team in further jeopardy.[1][43][44][45]Furthermore, the Italian coach at the 1970 World Cup Finals, Ferruccio Valcareggi, believed that Rivera and his fellow right-sided playmaker teammateSandro Mazzolacould not play together on the same field, as they played insimilar positionsforrival clubs.Although Rivera was arguably the more famous of the two stars at the time, as the reigning European Footballer of the Year, Valcareggi elected to start Mazzola, due to his pace, stamina, superior work rate, and stronger physical and athletic attributes, which he deemed more important in the tournament, and Rivera missed out on Italy's opening two group matches, with his absence being blamed on "stomach troubles"; he made his first appearance of the tournament in Italy's final group match, a 0–0 draw againstIsraelon 11 June, coming on forAngelo Domenghini.Due to Rivera's frequent arguments with the Italian coaching staff over his limited playing time, his mentor Rocco had to be flown in to prevent him from leaving the squad.[1][7][42][45][46][47]

By the second round of the tournament, however, the Italian offence failed to sparkle. Although Rivera's playing style involved less running, physicality, tactical discipline, and work off the ball than Mazzola's, and made Italy less compact and more vulnerable defensively, it also allowed his team to control possession in midfield, due to Rivera's ability to dictate the play with his passing moves, provide accurate long passes, and create more chances for the team's strikers. When Mazzola came down with a stomach flu, and struggled to regain full match fitness for the knock-out round, Valcareggi therefore devised a controversial solution to play both players and get the best out of their abilities: the quicker and more hard-working Mazzola would start in the first half, while Rivera would come on at halftime, when the opposing teams would begin to tire, and the tempo of the game had slowed down, giving him more time to orchestrate goal scoring opportunities; this strategy was later dubbed the "staffetta" (relay).[47][48][49]With this strategy, Rivera helped Italy defeat the hostsMexico4–1 in the quarterfinal on 14 June, scoring a goal, and also setting up both ofLuigi Riva's goals, forming a notable offensive partnership with theCagliaristrikerthroughout the knock-out stages of the tournament.[1][43][45][46][47][50][51][52]

"I told myself, there's no other alternative for me but to get the ball, take it past everyone and score."

— Rivera on his mental state following his error which led toWest Germany'stemporary equaliser in extra-time of the1970 World Cup semi-final,and ahead of his match-winning goal one minute later.[1]

In the semi-final againstWest Germany,at theEstadio Aztecaon 17 June, Rivera played a major role in one of the most entertaining games in World Cup history, a match which was later dubbedThe Game of the Century.Following a 1–1 draw after regulation time, Rivera's long passes led toTarcisio Burgnich's and Luigi Riva's goals in extra-time, although he was later also at fault for Germany's equaliser; while defending against a German set-piece, Rivera briefly stepped away from the post, leaving it unmarked, and allowingGerd Müllerto score his second goal and tie the match at 3–3 in the 110th minute, which famously led Italy's temperamental goalkeeperEnrico Albertosito berate Rivera for the error. A minute later, however, Rivera started an attacking play from the ensuing kick-off, a move which he eventually proceeded to finish off himself, scoring Italy's match-winning goal from Roberto Boninsegna's low cross to give Italy a 4–3 victory, after advancing into the penalty area unmarked, and sending German goalkeeperSepp Maierthe wrong way with his first-time shot.[1][2][8][9][43][44][45][46][50][53]

"I was worried that Rivera would come on, I thought that with Rivera Italy would be more dangerous."

—Peléon Rivera's limited playing time in the1970 FIFA World Cup Final.[43]

However, despite Rivera being the hero of Italy's past two matches, in thefinalagainst Brazil, Valcareggi did not use Rivera until there were only six minutes left in the game when he came on for Boninsegna with Italy trailing 3–1. Although the two creative Italian stars Rivera and Mazzola were finally able to play alongside each other, it was too late to overturn the result, and Brazil won the match 4–1 to capture the title. Valcareggi later justified his decision to neither start Rivera nor bring him on at half time, when the score was tied at 1–1, stating that several players in the starting line-up were in poor physical condition prior to the final, and that he was concerned that they would need to be substituted during the match, and as a result, waited longer than usual before bringing on Rivera.[1][2][7][9][43][44][45][46][54]Despite reaching the final, the Italian team and Valcareggi endured much criticism from the Italian public and media upon their return to Italy, in particular due to the "staffetta" policy, and Rivera's limited playing time in the heavy final defeat; Rivera was largely exempt from the criticism, however, due to his decisive performances throughout the tournament.[44][45][54]For his performances throughout the calendar year, Rivera placed tenth in the1970 Ballon d'Or.

Later years

[edit]

"Rivera, Rivera, Rivera, Rivera."

—EnglandmanagerAlf Ramsey's response when asked to name the four strongest Italian players following Italy's 1–0 win over England in a friendly match atWembley Stadiumon 14 November 1973.[1][55][56][57][58]

Rivera also played in the1974 FIFA World Cup,wearing the number 10 shirt for Italy, and finally appearing alongside Mazzola, who was deployed on the wing. He scored a goal in the team's opening group stage againstHaiti,[59]but he did not appear in the decisive final group match, in which the ageing Italians were knocked out of the tournament byPolandfollowing a 2–1 loss. The 1974 World Cup elimination marked the end of Rivera's international career; his last appearance with Italy came in the team's second group fixture, a 1–1 draw againstArgentina,on 19 June. In total, he played in 60 games for Italy, scoring 14 goals in the process; he is thesecond highest-scoring midfielder for Italypost-World War II,behind onlyDaniele De Rossi,and the third-highest scoring midfielder for Italy overall, behindAdolfo Baloncieriand De Rossi.[1][4][7][60]Rivera participated in four World Cups with Italy, making nine appearances in total and scoring three goals.[61]He captained the national side on four occasions.[7]

Retirement

[edit]

Milan vice-president

[edit]

After retirement, Rivera became a vice-president at Milan for seven seasons. WhenSilvio Berlusconibought the club in 1986, he resigned from his position and entered politics.[7][8]

Political career

[edit]

Rivera started his career in politics in 1986, becoming a member of theItalian Parliamentin 1987 with theChristian Democracyparty. He was re-elected in 1992, in 1994 under theSegni Pact,and in 1996 under theUniti nell'Ulivocoalition. He served as an under-secretary for defense underRomano Prodi's government and later as anon-inscritMember of the European Parliament(MEP).[7][8]

FIGC President

[edit]

In 2013 Rivera was appointed by theItalian Football Federation(FIGC) as President of the Technical Sector (settore tecnico), which oversees the training and qualification of technical staff employed by the FIGC and is headquartered at theCovercianoinFlorence.[8][62]

Player profile

[edit]

Style of play

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"Yes, he doesn't run a lot, but if I want good football, creativity, the art of turning around a situation from the first to the ninetieth minute, only Rivera can give me all of this with his flashes. I wouldn't want to exaggerate, because in the end it's only football, but Rivera in all of this is a genius."

—Nereo Roccoon Rivera.[26]

Rivera was a graceful, creative, technically gifted, and efficientoffensive midfieldplaymaker,who possessed exceptional footballing intelligence, and class.[1][2][7][63]Rivera was capable of playing anywhere inmidfieldor along thefront line,but he was usually used in a free role, either as adeep-lying playmakerincentral midfield,as an offensive–minded central midfielder (known as the "mezzala"role, in Italian), or most frequently as aclassic number 10behind the forward; he was also deployed as adeep-lying or inside forwardon occasion, and at the beginning of his career, he was even occasionally used in acentral roleas a mainstriker,while at Alessandria, and as awingeron either flank, with the Italian Olympic side, in particular on the right side of the pitch.[1][2][3][24][63][64][65]Although he was not known for his defensive abilities, and lacked both notable stamina and pace, as well as significant physical and athletic attributes due to his small stature and slender build,[44][64][66]he was an extremely talented right-footed player, who was renowned for his vision, tactical intelligence, and his skilful yet effective style of play, despite his poor defensive work-rate.[1][2][9][64][67]

A young Rivera in training with Alessandria,c.late 1950s and early 1960s.

Rivera was highly regarded for his outstanding ball control,dribblingskills, and excellent technique, as well as his quick feet, acceleration over short distances, agility, and balance on the ball, which allowed him to change direction quickly, and dribble past players with ease. Despite his notable skill, technical ability, and elegance on the ball, Rivera would often avoid challenging defenders gratuitously in one on one situations, making unnecessary flashy moves or plays, or undertaking individual dribbling runs, in particular in his later career, unless he deemed them necessary; as such, he was known to be an efficient player, who preferred instead to create space and chances for his team through his precise passing game and offensive movement.[1][24][32][44][68][63][65]Indeed, above all, Rivera was known for his excellent vision, ability to interpret the game, and his sublime range ofpassing,which allowed him to control the game and dictate the tempo his team's play in midfield with short exchanges, spread long passes across the pitch, or even play the ball first time, and also made him an excellentassistprovider from any position on the field, with either foot;[1][7][24][30][44][63][69][70]in 2011, former playmaker and UEFA presidentMichel Platinidescribed Rivera as one of the greatest passers in the history of the sport.[68]

"You watch footage from those years now and everyone seems slower than now, Rivera perhaps slower still and keeping the ball too much, but his forte was in spraying inspired passes around and always going forward, with a more than average eye for goal for a midfielder..."

—ESPNcolumnist Roberto Gotta on Rivera's playing style.[44]

Despite being primarily a creative midfielder, and a team player, who preferred assisting teammates over scoring goals himself, Rivera was also known for his ability to make attacking runs and for his keen eye for goal;[32][44]an accurate finisher from both inside and outside the area, he is the highest-scoring midfielder in Serie A history, and the third highest-scoring midfielder in the history of the Italy national team.[1][30][32][44][63][71]He was also an accurateset pieceandpenalty-kicktaker.[1][72]Rivera is widely considered to be one of the greatest Italian footballers and one of the most talented advanced playmakers of all time, as well as one of the best players of his generation.[7][8][9][23][33]In addition to his footballing ability, Rivera was also highly regarded throughout his career for his composure under pressure, his correct behaviour on the pitch, longevity, and his vocal leadership, although his outspoken personality also led him to be involved in several controversial clashes with managers, officials, and the media.[1][32][44]Indeed, he was one of the first players to openly speak out in criticism of journalists and directors.[3]

Reception and legacy

[edit]

"[Rivera] was... one of the greatest passers of all time who was known for his impeccable dribbling and distribution. In addition, Gianni Rivera was a true gentleman, both on and off the field of play, and he has remained so to this day."

—Michel Platinispeaking on Rivera being honoured with theUEFA President's Awardin 2011.[68]

Regarded as one of Italy's and Milan's greatest ever footballers, one of the best players of his generation, one of the best midfielders in history, and one of the most talented advanced playmakers of all time,[7][8][23][32][33][44][63][73][74]in 1999, Rivera placed 19th inIFFHS's election for the World Player of the 20th Century, and was also chosen by the same federation as Italy's best player of the Century, and the 12th-best European player of the Century;[8][15]he was also selected as Milan's best player of the 20th Century in a poll organised byLa Gazzetta dello Sport.[1][35]In 2004,Peléchose Rivera as part of theFIFA 100greatest living footballers,[8][17]and he placed 35th in theUEFA Golden Jubilee Poll.[8][18]In 2011, he was the recipient of theUEFAPresident's Award, which recognises outstanding achievements as a footballer, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities.[32]In 2013, Sam Tighe ofBleacher Reportincluded Rivera in his list of the "50 Greatest Midfielders in the History of World Football."[73]That same year, he was inducted into theItalian Football Hall of Fame,[8]and in 2014, he was named the 80th greatest player in World Cup history byThe Guardian,ahead of theFIFA World Cup in Brazil.[61]In 2015, he became the first Italian footballer out of 100 athletes to be inducted into Italy's sportsWalk of Fame.[16]That same year, journalists ofLa Gazzetta dello Sportelected the greatest Italian player of all time, with Rivera finishing in first place.[13]

Outside of professional football

[edit]

AIC

[edit]

On 3 July 1968, Rivera founded theItalian Footballers' Association(AIC), inMilan,along with several fellow footballers, such as Giacomo Bulgarelli, Sandro Mazzola,Ernesto Castano,Giancarlo De Sisti,andGiacomo Losi,as well as the recently retiredSergio Campana,also a lawyer, who was appointed president of the association.[75]

Personal life

[edit]

Rivera is married to Laura Marconi; together they have two children: Chantal (born in 1994) and Gianni (born in 1996). He has another daughter, Nicole (born in 1977), with the Italian former actress and television personalityElisabetta Viviani,with whom he was in a relationship at the time.[1][8]

Media

[edit]

Rivera is featured in theEA Sportsfootball video gamesFIFA 11,FIFA 14andFIFA 15's Classic XI – a multi-national all-star team, along with compatriotsBruno Conti,Giacinto Facchetti,andFranco Baresi.[76]

In 2012, Rivera took part in the eighth season ofBallando con le Stelle(the Italian edition ofDancing with the Stars), onRai 1.[77]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[1]
Club Season League Cup Europe[nb 1] Other[nb 2] Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Alessandria 1958–59 1 0 – – – – – – 1 0
1959–60 25 6 – – – – – – 25 6
Total 26 6 – – – – – – 26 6
AC Milan 1960–61 30 6 1 0 – – 2 0 33 6
1961–62 27 10 1 0 2 0 – – 30 10
1962–63 27 9 – – 7 2 – – 34 11
1963–64 27 7 1 0 2 1 2 0 32 8
1964–65 29 2 – – – – – – 29 2
1965–66 31 7 1 0 4 1 – – 36 8
1966–67 34 12 6 7 2 0 1 0 43 19
1967–68 29 11 5 3 10 1 – – 44 15
1968–69 28 3 4 1 7 2 – – 39 6
1969–70 25 8 3 1 3 2 2 1 33 12
1970–71 26 6 10 7 – – – – 36 13
1971–72 23 3 6 2 8 4 – – 37 9
1972–73 28 17 6 3 9 0 – – 43 20
1973–74 26 6 5 1 8 0 – – 39 7
1974–75 27 3 4 0 – – – – 31 3
1975–76 14 1 5 1 3 0 – – 22 2
1976–77 27 4 7 0 5 0 – – 39 4
1977–78 30 6 5 1 1 0 – – 36 7
1978–79 13 1 4 1 5 0 – – 22 2
Total 501 122 74 28 76 13 7 1 658 164
Career total 527 128 74 28 76 13 7 1 684 170

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[4][78]
National team Year Apps Goals
Italy 1962 4 2
1963 5 2
1964 4 2
1965 6 1
1966 6 2
1967 4 0
1968 4 0
1969 3 0
1970 7 2
1971 3 0
1972 3 0
1973 7 2
1974 4 1
Total 60 14

International goals

[edit]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 2 December 1962 Bologna,Italy Turkey 1–0 6–0 1964 European Nations' Cup qualifying preliminary round
2. 5–0
3. 10 November 1963 Rome,Italy Soviet Union 1–1 1–1 1964 European Nations' Cup round of 16
4. 14 December 1963 Turin,Italy Austria 1–0 1–0 Friendly
5. 10 May 1964 Lausanne,Switzerland Switzerland 3–1 3–1
6. 4 November 1964 Genoa,Italy Finland 3–0 6–1 1966 FIFA World Cup qualification
7. 1 November 1965 Rome, Italy Poland 4–0 6–1
8. 29 June 1966 Florence,Italy Mexico 3–0 5–0 Friendly
9. 5–0
10. 14 June 1970 Toluca,Mexico Mexico 3–1 4–1 1970 FIFA World Cup
11. 17 June 1970 Mexico City,Mexico West Germany 4–3 4–3 (a.e.t.)
12. 31 March 1973 Genoa, Italy Luxembourg 3–0 5–0 1974 FIFA World Cup qualification
13. 20 October 1973 Rome, Italy Switzerland 1–0 2–0
14. 15 June 1974 Munich,West Germany Haiti 1–1 3–1 1974 FIFA World Cup

Honours

[edit]

AC Milan[2][30]

Italy[2][79]

Individual

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^Includes theEuropean Cup,European Cup Winners' Cup,UEFA Cup,andEuropean Super Cup
  2. ^Includes theIntercontinental Cup,Coppa dell'Amicizia,andCup of the Alps

References

[edit]
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[edit]
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