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Goal.com Special: Gaetano Scirea's Top Five Magic Moments

The former Juventus defender is considered one of the greatest defenders of all time. Goal.com looks back at some of his best moments.

Sep 2, 2009 10:11:44 AM

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Gaetano Scirea - Juventus

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Gaetano Scirea needs little introduction to many Juventus fans. He enjoyed a prestigious career, which was intense and unforgettable, just like the man himself. Scirea is part of the grand Juventus history. He was sadly killed in a car accident in 1989, but the legendary defender still lives on in the hearts and minds of both Juve and Italy fans.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of his death, we celebrate five magic moments of his awesome career which, like Scirea, will never be forgotten.

5 - First Year At Juventus And A Scudetto

Scirea had a massive impact on the club. Those who make history in football have it written in their destiny, and so it was only natural for Scirea to make strides in his first season in Turin. In the summer of 1974, he left Atalanta and joined Juventus at just 21-years-old. His panache saw him go straight into the starting XI. The Bianconeri directors thought they had found a replacement for the central defender Sandro Salvadore. Instead, they had landed the man who would become one of the greatest sweepers. He conquered the Scudetto in his maiden season, the first in a long series of honours.

4 - The First Double: The Scudetto And UEFA Cup 1977

Seven Italian titles arrived at Juventus with Scirea. The second came after just three years into his Bianconeri career and was a historic achievement, Juve winning it by amassing a record 51 points. Back then only 16 teams were involved in the league and it was two points for a win. The UEFA Cup followed. Scirea's Bianconeri beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in Turin, and though they lost 2-1 in Spain, the away goals rule carried them to victory. It was the first international trophy that Juve had won in their history.

3 - Another Double: The Scudetto And Cup Winners' Cup 1984

Scirea's magic moments continued, and he celebrated his decade at Juventus by adding a further two trophies to the club's cabinet. Having won the World Cup in 1982, the club's 20th Scudetto and the Coppa Italia in 1983, Scirea found himself playing in the 1984 Cup Winners' Cup final in Basel against Porto. Juve beat Manchester United in the previous round thanks to Paolo Rossi, and they won against the Portuguese in the final. It was Scirea's second European triumph. He went on to conquer the Scudetto once again in that same season.

2 - On Top Of Europe And The World 1985

The 1984-85 season is one of the most memorable for the Italian stopper. He was involved in the European Cup and Intercontinental Cup, captaining the side to further major honours. The first was the European Cup in 1985, though the win against Liverpool was marred by the tragedy of Heysel. Juve then went to Tokyo and beat Argentinos Juniors to add the Intercontinental Cup to their European crown. The Bianconeri were on top of the world. It would be Scirea's last international win. He would lift the Scudetto in 1986 before retiring in 1988.

1 - The Hero Of World Cup Spain 1982

Scirea made 78 appearances for La Nazionale. He began his Azzurri career in 1974 and it stretched to World Cup 1986, where it ended after losing to France. In between, Scirea was glorious in Spain 1982. Enzo Bearzot's men reached the pinnacle of international football by lifting Italy's third World Cup, and it proved Scirea was the greatest sweeper in the game. His combination with Giuseppe Bergomi, which led to Marco Tardelli's goal against Germany in the final, was of the highest quality. That image remains in history, just like Scirea.

Sergio Chesi, Goal.com

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