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Mon 30 May 2022 | 4:30

Facts about Giuseppe Bergomi, the uncle

Giuseppe Bergomi spent his entire career at Inter Milan and is the second footballer to play the most official matches with the Interista jersey after Javier Zanetti. Read on to find out more facts about Giuseppe Bergomi, Inter Legend.

Giuseppe Bergomi Ufficiale OMRI (born December 22, 1963) is an Italian former professional footballer who played his whole career with

Inter Milan

.

Giuseppe Bergomi’s age

is 58.

He is recognized as one of the greatest Italian defenders of all time, as well as one of the finest of his generation, and was named to the FIFA 100 in 2004 by Pelé. Bergomi is a Sky Sports Italia analyst who usually co-commentates on Serie A games with Fabio Caressa.

Bergomi, a certified football coach, became Esordienti's youth coach at Inter in 2008. In July 2009, he was named young coach of the Allievi Nazionali (under-17) at A.C. Monza Brianza 1912, and one year later, he was elevated to head of the Berretti under-19 squad, working with Giuseppe Chieppa.

Bergomi departed Monza in July 2011 to take the same post at Atalanta BC. He also served as a football pundit and commentator for Italian satellite channel Sky Italia, often with Fabio Caressa, especially during Italy's World Cup victory in 2006.

Bergomi, who was mature above his years, was a ready-made top defense capable of competing at the greatest level.

Even at this young age, he had the weathered appearance of a man who might be mistaken for the Ancient Mariner, which further added to the impression that he was a wise but rough defender who could be counted on for watertight defense.

Bergomi's ability to read the opponent and frighten them with a combination of suggested toughness and his uncanny ability to seek the ball made him a great defender, not just your typical hard-man.

He was less athletic than defenders like Thuram and Vogts, but his tackling was more accurate and sophisticated. He was underappreciated on the field.

Top facts about Giuseppe Bergomi:

An important fact about Giuseppe Bergomi is that he was a one-club guy who, for numerous years, held the club record for most appearances while simultaneously serving as captain.

Because of his bushy eyebrows and the remarkable moustache, he had even as a child, he was lovingly referred to as "Lo zio" ("the uncle").

Giuseppe Bergomi early life

Giuseppe Bergomi was born in Milan, Italy, on December 22, 1963, to Giovanni and Franca Bergomi. Bergomi began his career as a member of Settala's youth squad after falling in love with the leather ball as a kid.

Regarding

Giuseppe Bergomi’s childhood

, it should be mentioned that he was capable of playing with those in an older age group even at the age of 11; on Saturday, he would play against those his own age, and on Sunday, he would take on the larger guys.

He usually started the game at full back or in a free position, but at this level, he was frequently the driving force even in attack, scoring over 20-30 goals each season while playing from defense.

When he was called up for a trial, his boyhood aspirations of playing for

AC Milan

were about to come true.

An important fact about Giuseppe Bergomi is that he was invited to undergo medical testing after impressing on the trial, and it was determined that he had evidence of rheumatism in his blood.

With his hopes dashed, Bergomi's renown spread locally, and when he was 14, Bussi da Crema, Sandro Mazzola's trusted man, invited him to an Inter audition.

There were no issues this time. It was a major setback for the Settalese, but they were amply compensated financially as long as Bergomi kept climbing in the Inter youth teams. Because the "Uncle" practically blazed through the levels and quickly broke into the first team, the promised instalments were collected sooner than planned.

Bergomi, on the other hand, sparked controversy with his mature look, leading to suspicions that he was faking his age to play in a lower age group.

When Bergomi arrived, Arcadio Venturi, the Inter youth team's coach, recalled: "The most startling thing about that youngster was that he wasn't even a child.”

“When he was fourteen, I found myself in front of him, and I can guarantee you that every Sunday throughout the tournament, I spent half an hour persuading the opposition team's leaders that our number 6 was really a Pupil: but no one believed me. His friends didn't even bring identification to camp, but if he hadn't, they wouldn't have allowed him play."

An important fact about Giuseppe Bergomi is that he was called to the National Juniores in November 1980 for the Montecarlo Tournament, one of the world's most famous young events.

He instantly exhibited his winning proclivity by winning the trophy, but it was a bittersweet accomplishment since his life at home was about to be turned upside down. Giuseppe Bergomi, an old-fashioned lad, has always placed a strong emphasis on his family.

Regarding

Giuseppe Bergomi’s parents

, it is worth mentioning that his father, Giovanni, who had played a key role in Bergomi's development in the game, was having a life-threatening surgery during the competition. He died tragically, and Beppe was forced to become a man at the age of 16.

Giuseppe Bergomi personal life

Bergomi and his wife Daniela have two daughters, Andrea and Sara. Bergomi claimed in May 2020 that he had recovered from COVID-19, which he had contracted during an epidemic in Italy.

Giuseppe Bergomi professional career

An important fact about Giuseppe Bergomi is that he lacked the ability to drive the ball, but he was consistent with it and remained calm under pressure. In possession, he was effective and pragmatic, like an old school Italian defense.

Giuseppe Bergomi club playing career

Bergomi started training with Inter Milan's first squad when he was just 16 years old. He made his professional debut in the 1980–81 season. After winning the Coppa Italia the following year and reaching the European Cup semifinals while putting up regular performances, he was quickly named to Italy's senior team.

Inter

Bergomi would go on to play at Inter for the rest of his career, eventually becoming captain. His 20 seasons in Serie A were frequently overshadowed by A.C. Milan, since he only won the Scudetto once, in a record-breaking season in 1988–89 (he did, however, conquer the UEFA Cup on three occasions, also reaching the final for a fourth time in 1997).

For a brief while, he held the marks for the most European appearances by an Italian player and the most Milan derbies played, both of which were eventually surpassed by Paolo Maldini.

A notable

fact about Giuseppe Bergomi

is that he resigned in 1999 at the age of nearly 36, and he held the record for most Inter appearances until late September 2011, when

Javier Zanetti

overtook him.

He presently holds the record for most appearances in the UEFA Cup with 96, and Pelé rated him one of the top 125 best living players in March 2004.

Giuseppe Bergomi international playing career

Bergomi and Italy won the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He also participated in the 1986 and 1990 campaigns (the latter as captain), as well as UEFA Euro 1988, when the country reached the semi-finals and he was named to the tournament's best team.

Along with Inter's Giuseppe Baresi, his younger brother Franco of A.C. Milan, and the Juventus F.C. trio of Antonio Cabrini, Claudio Gentile, and Gaetano Scirea, he formed the backbone of the national team's defence for much of the 1980s, making his debut on 14 April 1982 in a 0–1 friendly loss in East Germany.

Italy was eliminated in the round of 16 in the 1986 edition, but Bergomi captained his country to third place in the 1990 tournament, which was held on home soil, by playing in all seven matches, including five consecutive wins and as many clean sheets, for a total of 518 minutes without conceding a goal and the best defensive record overall.

Bergomi went years without being called up to the Azzurri after being sent off in a Euro 1992 qualifier against Norway, but was unexpectedly picked for the 1998 World Cup at the age of 34, after playing 28 times in the league and guiding the Nerazzurri to their third and final UEFA Cup.

He began his time in France as a reserve, but was called into action against Austria in the last group stage encounter when

Alessandro Nesta

sustained a tournament-ending injury.

He played three games with Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Costacurta, and Maldini for the remainder of the tournament, leading Italy to a quarter-final finish, where they were eliminated on penalties by hosts and eventual champions France; this was his 81st and final international appearance, in which he scored six goals. Despite participating in four World Cups, Bergomi did not compete in any of the qualification rounds.

Giuseppe Bergomi coaching career

Bergomi, a certified football coach, became Esordienti's youth coach at Inter in 2008. He was named young coach of the Allievi Nazionali (under-17) at A.C. Monza Brianza 1912 in July 2009, and was elevated to head of the Berretti under-19 squad one year later, in collaboration with Giuseppe Chieppa.

A notable fact about Giuseppe Bergomi is that he departed Monza in July 2011 to take the same post at Atalanta BC. He also served as a football pundit and commentator for Italian satellite channel Sky Italia, often with Fabio Caressa, especially during Italy's World Cup victory in 2006.

Giuseppe Bergomi style of play

Bergomi was a highly adaptable defender who could play anywhere along the backline and adapt to any formation: despite being primarily a right-back, he could also play on the left, as a central defender, or even as a sweeper, positions in which he was frequently deployed both at club and international level.

In addition to his defensive skills, he was recognized as a full-back for his power, endurance, and ability to make aggressive runs up the wing, and was also capable of adding to his team's offensive plays with goals and assists owing to his strong right foot, crossing ability, and outside-the-area shooting.

Bergomi was most renowned for his superb man-marking talents as a "stopper," but he subsequently also excelled in a zonal marking system; he was also highly recognized for his timing and anticipation of his challenges.

Despite having a bad temper and being a hard tackler (he was sent off 12 times in his career), Bergomi was known for his fairness, professionalism, and discipline, earning him respect from teammates, opponents, and coaches; he was also known for his'silent leadership' throughout his career.

Because of his tough and tenacious playing style, The New York Times ranked him ninth among the 50 hardest football players in history in 2007.

In his youth, he had a prodigious talent, Bergomi later became known for his longevity throughout his long career; indeed, his experience, tactical intelligence, and positional sense, as well as his confidence on the ball, balance, technique, and ability to play the ball out from the back-line, enabled him to excel as a sweeper towards the end of his career, and maintain a high level of performance.

Giuseppe Bergomi legacy

Four of the best Italian defenders — Franco Baresi, Gaetano Scirea, Antonio Cabrini, and Giuseppe Bergomi – were part of one of the most powerful, well-knit, and indestructible defenses in World football history.

In an age when defenders like

Rio Ferdinand

, John Terry, and

Sergio Ramos

are regarded as the finest and most complete in the game, it's only fair to reflect on one of the best defensive incarnations of the game from the 1990s. The renowned Giuseppe Bergomi's legacy is highlighted in this essay.

This 'calciatore' was born in Milan on December 22, 1963, and his career, which started at the age of 17, extended two decades.

A notable fact about Giuseppe Bergomi is that he made 758 appearances for Internazionale between 1979 and 1999, with a blue and black painted heart. He also played four times for Italy in the FIFA World Cup, including as captain in 1990. Bergomi is without a doubt a legend.

The 14-year-old 'Beppe' passed a try-out at the San Siro field, which would eventually become his second home, wearing shorts that hung below his knee caps.

His trial, though, was with A.C Milan, the fierce rivals of Internazionale di Milano, his first and only love. Milan was hesitant to sign him to a contract due to worries about his health. It turned out to be a bad choice for the 'Rosonerri' in hindsight.

On the other hand, his performance on that fateful Sunday in 1977 did not go unnoticed. A visionary player scout, Arcadio Venturi, had his sights firmly fixed on the youthful wonder. "I spent all evening trying to persuade how the number 6 of the training camp was truly a youngster destined for Inter..he sprinted up and down the side and covered the defense as well," Venturi said in an interview.

Inter put their faith in Venturi's remarks. Bergomi joined the young squad, and Coach Bersellini promised him plenty of playing time.

Bergomi was promoted to the main squad after playing for the youth team, and he made his Serie A debut against Como Oriali at the age of 17 years and two months. Bergomi was rushing down the wing for Inter in the Champions League against Red Star Belgrade only 10 days later, and almost amazingly, he was selected to represent Italy in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

A notable

fact about Giuseppe Bergomi

is that he spent the most of the tournament on the bench, although he did appear in the semi-final and final.

At the tender age of 18, he was entrusted with marking Karl-Heinz Rummenigge of

Bayern Munchen

in the 1982 World Cup final. Rummenigge was taken off the field altogether and replaced in the second half. The young Bergomi's prodigy sparkled around the Santiago Bernabéu that June night.

The 'Azzurri' supporters, overjoyed with their team's World Cup victory, understood they had a brilliant defender on their hands, one they could rely on for years.

Bergomi met and exceeded everyone's expectations. Internazionale made him synonymous with the club over the course of two decades. He was able to capture multiple titles despite playing for Inter during one of their most disappointing years in terms of medals.

Bergomi was a member of Inter's youth team when they won the league in 1979/80. He was able to break into the first team the next year. With Inter, he won the Coppa Italia and the World Cup with the 'Azzuri' in 1982.

Following the glories of the 1982 World Cup, he had to wait seven years before lifting another championship. Inter won the Scudetto in 1988/89.

Bergomi was a key player throughout the season. On the field, he was a natural leader, and those who have seen him play will remember how commanding he was.

Bergomi commanded the respect of his teammates while putting dread in the minds of his opponents. In addition, he won three UEFA Cups and one Supercoppa Italiana throughout his club career.

Bergomi was the captain of the national squad that finished third in the 1990 World Cup after being eliminated on penalties by

Argentina

.

He was dropped from the national squad after a red card against Norway in a Euro 92 qualifier, but was surprisingly picked up for the 1998 World Cup. His selection seven years later demonstrates his constancy.

Although his accomplishments speak louder than words, the following descriptions just scratch the surface of his abilities as a player.

A real one-club guy, Loyal. He was equally at comfortable playing as a right back as a center back, and he was always trustworthy.

Consistent service over two decades. Efficient - he played with the practicality and toughness of the 'old school' Italian defenders. He was a hard worker who aggressively marshaled his teammates as the team's commander on the field, revealing his motivating personality.

Because he didn't win any trophy under his leadership, most people don't remember him. On the field, he was a forceful presence, a two-edged blade who was both a terrific player and a greater leader.

Bergomi will be remembered for his iconic mustache, which earned him the moniker "Lo zio" in addition to his many achievements (the uncle). On the field, his opponents referred to him as the "scary uncle." Inter supporters have dubbed him "Il Capitano" since he commanded the squad for many years.

Bergomi is a member of the Italian defensive elite. His two-decade commitment matches his enthusiasm for the game. He served as the Esordienti (newcomers) youth coach at Inter and the U-17 at A.C Monza Brianza after retiring.

He afterwards assumed the same job at Atalanta. Even after his retirement, he continued to work in front of the camera as a pundit and analyst for Sky Italia.

It should come as no surprise that he was named one of Pele's top 125 surviving players. In conclusion, Bergomi is an Italian football legend who will be recognized, revered, and treasured for the rest of his life. He's part of a dwindling, unusual breed of players.

Some more facts about Giuseppe Bergomi:

Bergomi's achievements in the National Juniors drew the attention of Nerazzurri coach Bersellini, who opted to put him into the first team setup. Inter had been the defending champions, but their championship defense was becoming a nightmare.

Bergomi was put onto the field against Como less than a month after starting training with the first squad.

He made his European Cup debut against Red Star at San Siro ten days later, and when he almost missed the goal that would have put Inter in the final against

Real Madrid

in the semifinals in April, the Nerazzurri crowd saw him as a veteran.

Inter finished fourth in the league that season, which seemed implausible at the time but was nonetheless a good place.

Bergomi became a first-team regular the following season, appearing in 38 games (24 in the league, 10 in the Coppa Italia and 4 in Europe). He was a key member of the team that won the Coppa Italia final in 1981/82, starting both legs against Torino (winning 2-1 on aggregate).

Bergomi's development and precocious ability to play throughout the backline had not gone unnoticed at the national level, and he made his national team debut at the age of 18 against East Germany on April 14, 1982 in Leipzig, under the supervision of Bearzot (the Italians were to be defeated 1-0 with Begomi coming on after the 61st minute when the Italians were already behind).

Inter struggled in the league again this season, finishing in fifth place. Bergomi was included to the 1982 World Cup squad despite having just played 30 senior matches in the Italian league.

An important

fact about Giuseppe Bergomi

is that he began the tournament on the bench, but in the legendary 3-2 second-phase triumph against Brazil, he came on as a replacement. He performed an outstanding job marking Socrates and Serginho, winning Socrates' shirt at the game's conclusion.

Because Gentile was banned, Bearzot was willing to throw 'Beppe' into the deep end, and he was named to the starting lineup against Poland in the semifinal. Everyone was impressed by his maturity on the field, and Bearzot couldn't afford to leave him out of the final versus West Germany.

Bergomi was tasked with marking two-time Ballon D'Or winner

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

and effectively taking him out of the game.

The German international was replaced in the second half as Italy won 3-1, with Bergomi and Scirea both contributing to Marco Tardelli's legendary goal. Giuseppe won the World Cup barely over a year after making his senior debut!

Bergomi became a household name when he won the World Cup at the age of eighteen, at a time when the boys and champions normally watch them on television.

He was known as 'Uncle' because of his big moustache, formidable size, and mature demeanor. The Gods have a way of taking away the World and everything within it when you least expect it, leaving you to languish in the empty emptiness.

Bergomi had dominated the international game at the age of 18 and was entering the 1982/83 season as perhaps the game's most accomplished young defender.

The suffocating and overwhelming pressure that around him was starting to wear him down. Furthermore, the loss of his father, which he had to conceal throughout his meteoric climb to the top of the game, was lurking under the surface and had not been dealt with adequately.

Bergomi started to act out on the field and became increasingly aggressive, gaining him a terrible reputation among match officials.

Inter notoriously let Michel Platini, whom they had signed on a pre-contract in 1977, go to

Juventus

during pre-season, giving on their opportunity to sign him.

Inter's championship campaign was marked by numerous draws and few triumphs on their path to a third-place finish, and this proved to be a fatal blunder.

The Milanese squad advanced to the quarter-finals of the Cup Winners' Cup before being eliminated by Real Madrid of Spain, while the holders of the Italian Cup were defeated in the semifinals by Juventus, the eventual champions of the edition.

In the 1983/84 season, there was yet another managerial change, as well as a big shift in the boardroom: Ernesto Pellegrini replaced Fraizzoli.

There was also change on the field, since this was Walter Zenga's first season as a starter for the Nerazzurri. Despite Bergomi being a member of the championship's finest defense, none of these moves paid off (23 goals conceded in 30 games).

The Nerazzurri eventually finished fourth in the league, qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Inter were eliminated from the Italian Cup in the Group Stage, while Austria Vienna eliminated Inter from the UEFA Cup in the Round of 16.

Bergomi's 1982 World Cup counterpart, German striker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, arrived in time for the start of the 1984/85 season. Another overseas acquisition was completed, with former Juventus midfielder Liam Brady from Ireland.

Their arrival, along with that of yet another new coach, Illario Castagner, sparked a dramatic turnaround in Inter's fortunes, as the club regained competitiveness in all tournaments. Sportul Studentesc, Rangers, and Hamburg were all eliminated from the UEFA Cup quarter-finals by Inter.

Inter's League opponents were Hellas Verona (led by the outstanding Preban Elkjaer) and Torino, coached by their old coach Radice, rather than AC Milan and Juventus, who were languishing in 5th and 6th place respectively, probably in part owing to the consequences from the 'calcioscommesse' scandal.

Inter finished third after huge away losses to Juventus,

Napoli

, and Roma, failing to capitalize on their greatest season in years. They met FC Koln in the UEFA Cup and won 3-1 at home, overcoming a 1-0 deficit. After that, they played Real Madrid for a spot in the final.

The Blancos reversed the position with a shocking 3-0 win in the Bernebau after a fantastic start in the first leg with a 2-0 triumph in Milan. Bergomi was controversially hit with an item from the ground during the game, although UEFA found no irregularities in the meeting's report.

The Coppa Italia was the sole remaining chance for silverware, but it, too, ended in the semifinals with a loss to rival AC Milan.

Fanna and Marangon were bought shortly after winning the Italian championship with Verona, while the seasoned Marco Tardelli was grabbed from Juventus after the team finished third in the 1984-85 season.

Despite the promise of the previous season, it turned out to be a false dawn, as Inter had a disastrous season.

Giuseppe Bergomi social media

Regarding

Giuseppe Bergomi social media

, it should be mentioned that he has an Instagram page (

@beppebergomi2

) with more than 60k followers. On the page, we can see various pictures of him along with his fans and family.

Giuseppe Bergomi body measurements

Speaking about

Giuseppe Bergomi body measurements

, it should be mentioned that the former player is 185cm and 78kg.

Giuseppe Bergomi net worth and salary

Giuseppe Bergomi's net worth

is estimated to be around $12 million, according to Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.

 

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