Giacinto Facchetti, the captain of the Grande Inter and the Nazionale
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Giacinto Facchetti remains a legend of Italian football: an offensive defender for Inter during the 1960s and 70s, he also wore the Nazionale jersey high, becoming one of its most emblematic captains.
According to Tuttomercatoweb.
Context
Facchetti played exclusively for Inter Milan and the Nazionale, becoming a symbol of loyalty and excellence. With 634 matches and 75 goals for Inter, he was a pillar of the 'Grande Inter', winning numerous titles. His career with the national team, including 94 caps and 70 captaincies, is a testament to his leadership and impact on Italian football.
Why it matters
Giacinto Facchetti remains an emblematic figure of Italian football, having marked the history of Inter Milan and the Nazionale. His role as a modern defender, combining defensive solidity and scoring ability, has redefined expectations for fullbacks in football. His contribution to the 'Grande Inter' and his successes with the national team, notably during Euro 1968, underline his importance in sport.
Key points
- Giacinto Facchetti, the captain of Grande Inter and the Nazionale.
- Giacinto Facchetti remains a legend of Italian football: offensive defender of Inter during the 1960s and 70s, he also wore the Nazionale jersey high, becoming one of its most emblematic captains.
- Giacinto Facchetti, captain of the Great Inter. My reed della Nazionale.
Giacinto Facchetti has constantly embodied the image of the modern defender. Born in 1942, he only wore two jerseys during his professional career: that of Inter and that of the Nazionale. Spotted by Helenio Herrera, he joined Inter and played there from 1960 to 1978, mainly as a left back, while sometimes being used in attack by his coach.
Nicknamed colloquially due to an approximate pronunciation of the name - Herrera sometimes referred to him as "Cippelletti" - Facchetti became a pillar of the Milan club. With Inter, he played 634 games and scored 75 goals, figures which testify to his unusual offensive influence for a defender at the time. He is an integral part of the "Grande Inter" which dominates Europe and Italy: two Champions Cups, four Scudetti, two Intercontinental Cups and an Italian Cup appear on the collective list of achievements of which he is one of the architects.
In the Italian selection, Facchetti wears the national jersey 94 times and has 70 captaincies, a status which underlines his stature as a leader. He won the European Championship in 1968 and reached the final of the World Cup in Mexico in 1970. He was also present during the famous Italy-Germany 4-3 semi-final, often described as the "match of the century".
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After his playing career, Facchetti remained close to football and took on managerial responsibilities. He became vice-president of Atalanta before returning to Inter to occupy various administrative positions. In 2004, after the resignation of Massimo Moratti, he was appointed president of the club.
Facchetti passed away in 2006. The inter club, in a press release made public at the time, paid tribute to a man who "played, with determination and style, his last game" and underlined the combativeness and dignity he showed in the face of illness. The message evoked the pain and anger of a premature departure, while recalling Facchetti's deep attachment to Inter and the immense network of friends and admirers he leaves behind, in Italy and around the world.
Today, Giacinto Facchetti would have been 84 years old. His legacy remains alive: through his style of play, his responsibilities as captain and his commitment to the club, he remains a reference for attacking full-backs and a symbol of the Great Inter.
The rest
Following his playing career, Facchetti continued to influence football by holding managerial positions, first at Atalanta and then Inter. His commitment to the Milan club continued until his presidency in 2004, marking a period of transition for Inter. His memory continues to inspire future generations of players and fans, strengthening his legacy in the world of football.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Giacinto Facchetti?
Giacinto Facchetti was a modern defender, captain of Inter and the Italian national team, known for his attacking influence and longevity at the club.
Which teams did Facchetti represent during his career?
Facchetti only played for Inter and Nazionale during his professional career.
What are Facchetti's achievements with Inter?
With Inter, Facchetti won two Champions Cups, four Scudetti, two Intercontinental Cups and an Italian Cup.
Why is Facchetti considered a leader?
Facchetti is considered a leader due to his 70 captaincies with the Italian national team and his
key role in Inter's success.
What positions did he hold after his playing career?
After his career, Facchetti served as vice-president of Atalanta and held various administrative positions at Inter, becoming president in 2004.