Soccer Memories-Part 59- National Team’s One-Cap Wonders’ in the 1980s and 1990s.

 

I look back at the history of the Italian National Team players who made a solitary appearance for the National Team in the 1980s and 1990s.

 

The aim is to look upon the reason, background and circumstances why a certain player was selected for a match but never again.

 

Presentation of the one-capped players for Italy in the decade of the 1980s:

 

Domenico Marocchino:

24-year-old Juventus midfielder Domenico Marocchino made his only appearance in a World Cup qualifier at Napoli on December 5, 1981, vs. Luxembourg (1-0).

He was part of the Juventus squad that won the Scudetto in 1981 and 1982.

Given Enzo Bearzot’s inflexibility, further caps would have been difficult to come by.

Marocchino was a former Juventus youth player, who made his debut with Juniorcasale in (1976/77), followed by spells at Cremonese (1977/78) and Atalanta (1978/79).

He made his Juventus debut in 1979 and remained with the club until 1983. He won the Scudetto in 1981, 1982 and the Coppa Italia in 1983.

The rest of his career was spent at Sampdoria (1983/84), Bologna (1984 through 1987) and Casale (1987/88).

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1981/82

(Domenico Marocchino)

 

Luciano Marangon:

25-year-old AS Roma defender Luciano Marangon made his sole appearance in a friendly on April 14, 1982, vs. East Germany at Leipzig (0-1 loss). He was replaced in the 61^st minute by Giuseppe Bergomi.

He was Italy Manager Enzo Bearzot’s final ‘only cap’. He was always an outside bet to make the 1982 World Cup squad. He later joined Verona and won the Scudetto in 1985. He transferred to Inter from there but did not get further caps.

Marangon started out at Lanerossi Vicenza in 1975 and rwmained with the club until 1980.

The rest of his career was spent with Napoli (1980/81), AS Roma (1981/82), Verona (1982 through 1985), Inter (1985 through 1987).

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1981/82

(Luciano Marangon)

 

Gennaro Ruotolo:

24-year-old Genoa midfielder Gennaro Ruotolo played in the ‘Scania 100’ Tournament (in Sweden) vs. Denmark at Malmö on June 12, 1991 (2-0 win). He was replaced in the 61^st minute by Massimo Crippa He was Italy Manager Azeglio Vicini, one and only ‘One-cap Wonder’. Vicini was headed on the way out at this point. Along with clubmate Stefano Eranio, he was beneficiary of Genoa’s excellent season (1990/91) that yielded qualification to the UEFA Cup.

Ruotolo started out in the lower Divisions at Sorrento (1984 through 1986) and Arezzo (1986 through 1988) before joining Genoa in 1988 and earning promotion to the Serie A in 1989.

He remained with Genoa until 2002. The rest of his career was spent with Livorno (2002-03), Al Ittihad (2003), back to Livorno (2003 through 2006), back to Sorrento (2006/07) and Massa Lubrense (2007/08).

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1990/91

(Gennaro Ruotolo)

Massimo Carrera:

27-year-old Juventus defender Massimo Carrera made his only appearance as a second half substitute for Moreno Mannini in a friendly at Cesena on February 19, 1992, vs. San Marino (4-0). He was Italy Manager Arrigo Sacchi’s first one-cap player. He had joined Juventus that season from Bari and was a regular under new Juventus Manager Giovanni Trapattoni in a season that they finished second. He remained and was a solid defender for Juventus until 1996 before joining Atalanta.

He started out with Pro Sesto (1982/83) followed by spells at Russi (1983/84), Alessandria (1984/85), Pescara (1985/86) before joining Bari in 1986 and earning promotion to the Serie A in 1989. He remained with Bari until 1991 before joining Juventus.

At Juventus, he won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia Double in 1995, as well as the Champions League in 1996 and the UEFA Cup in 1993.

He left Juventus in 1996 and the rest of his career was spent at Atalanta (1996 through 2003), Napoli (2003-04), Treviso (2004/05) and Pro Vercelli (2005 through 2008).

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1991/92

(Massimo Carrera)

 

Giorgio Venturin:

23-year-old Torino midfielder Giorgio Venturin appeared as a second-half substitute (replacing Luca Fusi) the 1992 US Cup in a vs. Republic of Ireland (2-0 win) at Boston. USA on June 4, 1982. He was beneficiary of Torino’s UEFA Cup run that season, as well as a third-place finish. He also spent some time at Lazio and Atletico Madrid.

He started out at Torino in 1987 and remained with the club until 1994. During this spell, he was loaned to Cosenza (1988/89) and Napoli (1990/91).

He joined Lazio in 1994 and remained with the club until 1999, including a loan at Cagliari (1995/96).

The rest of his career was spent at Spanish side Atletico Madrid (1999/2000), back to Torino (2000 through 2002), Taranto (2002/03), Lodigiani (2004) and Cisco Lodigiani-Roma (2004-05)

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1991/92

(Giorgio Venturin)

 

Daniele Zoratto:

31-year-old Parma midfielder Daniele Zoratto was already past the age of 30 when he made his only appearance for the Azzuri. He made his appearance in a World Cup Qualifier in Berne vs Switzerland (0-1) on May 1, 1993. He was substituted in the 64th minute by Gianluigi Lentini. Zoratto benefitted from Parma’s good league form (Third Place in 1992/93) and the Cup Winners Cup victory. He was nearing the end of his career at this point anyway and his sole selection appeared to be one-off.

He started out in the Lower Leagues with Piobbico (1978/79) followed by Casale (1979/80), Bellaria (1980/81), Cesena (1981/82), Rimini (1982/83) and Brescia (1983 through 1989.

He joined Parma in 1989 and remained with the club until 1994. He helped the side earn promotion in 1990 and was part of the squad that won the Coppa Italian in 1992 and Cup Winners Cup in 1993.

After Parma, he joined Padova in 1994 for one last season (1994/95).

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1992/93

(Daniele Zoratto)

 

Andrea Fortunato:

22-year-old Juventus left-back defender Andrea Fortunato made his only appearance in a Word Cup Qualifier against Estonia (3-0 win) on September 22, 1993, at Tallinn. He was a promising defender and was a regular in his only season at Juventus (1993/94, a second place finish). Sadly, Fortunato would pass away due to Leukemia on April 25, 1995 aged just 23.

He started out at Como in 1989 and remained with the club until 1991. In 1991, he joined Genoa, who loaned him to Pisa (1991/92). He returned To Genoa (1992/93) after one season was signed by Juventus in 1993.

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1993/94

(Andrea Fortunato)

 

Antonio Manicone:

26-year-old Inter midfielder Antonio Manicone made his only appearance (jointly with Andrea Fortunato) in a Word Cup Qualifier against Estonia (3-0 win) on September 22, 1993, at Tallinn. He had a successful season at Inter (1992/93), joining from Udinese after a mid-season transfer swap with Stefano Desideri. He remained at Inter until 1996 before drifting into the lower Leagues.

He was an Inter youth player who transferred to Licata (1986/87), followed by spells at Palermo (1987 through 1989), Foggia (1989 through 1991) and Udinese (1991/92).

He joined Inter in 1992 and remained with the club until 1996, winning the UEFA Cup in 1993/94. At Inte, he was loaned to Genoa (1994/95).

The rest of his career was spent at Perugia (1996 through 1998), Cosenza (1998/99), Lecco (1999/2000) and Pro Patria (2000 through 2003).

 

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1993/94

(Antonio Manicone)

Massimiliano Cappiolli:

26-year-old AS Roma midfielder Massimiliano Cappioli was part of the Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari side that was promoted to the Serie A in 1990. He joined Roma following Cagliari’s qualification to the UEFA Cup in 1992/93. He was tried out by Arrigo Sacchi as part of the 1994 World Cup preparations. He came on as a substitute in the 65th minute replacing Giovanni Stroppa. The match at Napoli vs. France on February 16, 1994 (0-1 loss) would be his last.

He started out at Cagliari in 1988 and remained with the club until 1993. In 1993, he joined AS Roma and was with the club until 1996.

The rest of his career was spent at Udinese (1996 through 1998), Atalanta (1998), Bologna (1998/99), Perugia (1999/2000), Palermo (2000 through 2002) and Taranto (2003) and a final stint at Pescatori Ostia (2008/09).

 

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1993/94

(Massimiliano Cappioli)

 

Andrea Silenzi:

Jointly with Cappiolli, 28-year-old Torino striker Andrea Silenzi was tried out by Arrigo Sacchi as part of the 1994 World Cup preparations. Just like Cappiolli, he came on as substitute in the 65th minute replacing Pierluigi Casiraghi. The match at Napoli vs. France on February 16, 1994 (0-1 loss) would be the last for both. He would be the first Italian player to join the English Premier League in 1995, joining Nottingham Forest. After an unsuccessful spell there, he drifted into the lower Leagues in Italy.

He was Serie B’s top goalscorer in 1989/90 season with Reggiana and won the Coppa Italia with Torino (1992/93).

He started out at Lodigiani (1984 through 1987) and the rest of his career was spent with Arezzo (1987/88), Reggiana (1988 through 1990), Napoli (1990 through 1992), Torino (1992 through 1995), English side Nottingham Forest (1995 through 1997), Venezia (on loan, 1996/97), back to Reggiana (1997/98), Ravenna (1998/99), back to Torino (1999/2000) and back to Ravenna (2000/01).

 

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1993/94

(Andrea Silenzi)

Fabio Petruzzi:

24-year-old AS Roma defender Fabio Petruzzi played in the Swiss Federations’ Centenary Tournament vs. Germany at Zürich on June 21, 1995 (0-2 loss). He replaced Antonio Bennarivo in the second half. He was the beneficiary of a good season at Roma under Manager Carlo Mazzone. He later joined Brescia and Bologna both under Carlo Mazzone.

He started out at AS Roma in 1989 and remained with the club until 2000, including loans at Casertana (1990 through 1992) and Udinese (1993/94).

The rest of his career was spent with Brescia (2000 through 2004) and Bologna (2004/05).

 

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1995/96

(Fabio Petruzzi)

Fabio Rossitto:

24-year-old Udinese midfielder Fabio Rossitto was selected in Italy’s 1996 Euros Finals squad. He made his only appearance in a preparatory friendly on June 1, 1996, at Budapest vs. Hungary (2-0 win). He replaced Demetrio Albertini in the 70^th minute. He did not gain further caps but was part of the 1996 Euro Finals squad.

He started out with Udinese in 1989 and remained with the club until 1997.

The rest of his career was spent with Napoli (1997 through 1999), Fiorentina (1999 through 2002), back to Udinese (2002 through 2004), Belgian side Germinal Beerschot (2004/05), Venezia (2005) and Sacilese (2005 through 2007).

 

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1995/96

(Fabio Rossitto)

Pasquale Padalino:

24-year-old Fiorentina central defender Pasquale Padalino made his sole appearance in a friendly on November 6, 1996, vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at Sarajevo (1-2 loss). This was Arrigo Sacchi’s last match in charge. He was part of Zdenek Zeman’s Foggia side of the early 90s, before finding his way at Fiorentina in the second half of the 90s.

He won the Coppa Italia with Fiorentina (1995/96).

He started out at Foggia in 1988 and remained with the club until 1992.

The rest of his career was spent with Bologna (1992/93), Lecce (1993/94), back to Foggia (1994/95), Fiorentina (1995 through 1999), back to Bologna (2000 through 2002), Inter (on loan, 2001/02) and Como (2002 through 2004).

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1996/97

(Pasquale Padalino)

 

Federico Giunti:

Along with Padalino, 25-year-old Perugia midfielder Federico Giunti made his one appearance in a friendly on November 6, 1996, vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at Sarajevo (1-2 loss). Federico Giunti came on in the second half replacing Roberto Di Matteo. This duo were Arrigo Sacchi’s final ‘only caps’. He later had stints at Parma and AC Milan but gained no more caps.

He won the Scudetto with AC Milan (1998/99) and the Turkish league title with Besiktas (2002/03).

He started out with Città di Castello in 1987 and remained with the club until 1991 before joining Perugia.

He was at Perugia until 1997 and the rest of his career was spent with Parma (1997 through 1999), AC Milan (1999 through 2001), Brescia (2001 through 2004), Turkish side Besiktas (on loan, 2003/04), Bologna (2004/05), Chievo (2005 through 2007) and Treviso (2008).

 

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1996/97

(Federico Giunti)

Michele Padovano :

30-year-old Juventus forward Michele Padovano made his only appearance under New Italy manager Cesare Maldini. he replaced Christian Vieri in the 68^th minute of a World Cup qualifier vs. Moldova (3-0 win) at Trieste on March 29, 1997. During his spell at Juventus, Padovano was not a starter but was a useful option from the bench. At this point he was in good form and was rewarded with a cap, but further caps seemed unlikely.

At Juventus, he won the Scudetto (1996/97) and the Champions League (1996) and the Intercontinental Cup (1996).

He started out at Asti TSC (1985/86) before joining Cosenza in 1986.

He left Cosenza in 1990 and the rest of his career was spent with Pisa (1990/91), Napoli (1991/92), Genoa (1992/93), Reggiana (1993/94), back to Genoa (1994), back to Reggiana (1994), Juventus (1995 through 1997), English side Crystal palace (1997/98), French side Metz (1998 through 2000) and Como (2000/01).

 

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1996/97

(Michele Padovano)

Giampiero Maini:

25-year-old Vicenza midfielder Giampiero Maini made his lone appearance in the ‘Tournoi de France’. He replaced Angelo Di Livio in the second half vs. England (0-2 loss) at Nantes on June 4, 1997. He was beneficiary of Vicenza’s season and Coppa Italia victory. A transfer to AC Milan in 1997/98 did not help him get further caps.

He won the Coppa Italia with AS Roma (1990/91), Vicenza (1996/97) and Parma (2001/02).

He started out at AS Roma in 1989 and remained with the club until 1995, including loans at Lecce (1991 through 1993) and Ascoli (1993/94).

The rest of his career was spent with Vicenza (1995 through 1997), AC Milan (1997/98), Bologna (1998/99), Parma (1999 through 2002), Venezia (on loan, 2000/01), Ancona (2002 through 2004), Arezzo (2004/05) and a final stint at Fabriano (2008/09).

 

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1996/97

(Giampiero Maini)

Stefano Torrisi:

In the same ‘Tournoi de France’, Cesare Maldini tried out 26-year-old Bologna defender Stefano Torrisi. He replaced Alessandro Costacurta in the second half vs. France (2-2 tie) at Paris on June 11, 1997. He had stints at Parma and Atletico Madrid but gained no more caps.

He started out at Modena in 1987 and remained with the club until 1990.

The rest of his career was spent with Ravenna Calcio (1990 through 1993), Reggiana (1993/94), Torino (1994/95), Bologna (1995 through 1998), Spanish side Atletico Madrid (1998/99), Parma (1999 through 2002), French side Olympique Marseille (on loan, 2001), Reggina (2002 through 2004) and back to Bologna (2004 through 2007).

 

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1996/97

(Stefano Torrisi)

Michele Serena:

The decade’s last lone cap was 28-year-old Atletico Madrid right-back Michele Serena in a Euro Qualifier on September 5, 1998, vs. Wales (2-0 win) at Liverpool. He replaced Eusebio Di Francesco in the 85^th minute. He was Italy Manager Dino Zoff’s first only-cap. He had impressed at Fiorentina prior and had stints at Parma and Inter after Atletico Madrid.

At Juventus, he won the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup during the 1989/90 season.

He also won the Coppa Italia with Sampdoria (1993/94) and Fiorentina (1995/96).

He started out at Mestre (1986/87) followed by Venezia (1987 through 1989).

The rest of his career was spent with Juventus (1989/90), Monza (1990/91), Verona (1991/92), Sampdoria (1992 through 1995), Fiorentina (1995 through 1998), Spanish side Atletico Madrid (1998/99), Parma (1999/00) and Inter (2000 through 2003).

 

Photo From: Calciatori Panini 1997/98

(Michele Serena)

Conclusion:

Enzo Bearzot rarely changed his side, despite media and public demands. For the 1980s, he only called two one-cap players.

Many better players were either under-capped or not capped at all.

Therefore, Marocchino and Marangon were unlikely to receive other opportunities.

 

Enzo Bearzot’s former assistant, Azeglio Vicini, also stuck to his regular for the most part. Ruotolo was his only one-cap player towards the end of his tenure.

In contrast, Arrigo Sacchi called up many players and experimented more than most of his predecessors. He was criticized for being indecisive as a result. There was also the criticism that there were not so many players of International quality at any given point to warrant so many call-ups (which resulted in many one-capped players).

 

During their short spells, Cesare Maldini and Dino Zoff had few one-capped players as well.

 

In almost all cases, none of the players appeared like future long-term prospects.

In some cases, they were beneficiary of a good season that warranted a look-in.

The only exception might be Andrea Fortunato, who might have gained more recognition if not for his illness.