Antonio Cabrini

Biography

Antonio Cabrini was a 20 year old promising youth for Juventus and had played just 15 games for his club in the 1977-78 season (mostly as a replacement) when he was picked for the 1978 World Cup. He won his first cap and became a regular for his country in Italy's opening game against France. Cabrini and Paolo Rossi where Italy's new blood in Bearzot's team that went on to win the 1982 World Cup.

Cabrini immediately established himself as a regular with Juve and won all possible titles in his 13 seasons for the club. In addition to typical outstanding Italian defensive qualities 'El Bel Antonio' was an offensive minded left back that displayed exceptional enthusiasm and fighting spirit on the field, becoming a fans favorite. With the likes of Zoff, Gentile, Scirea, Tardelli, Platini and Laudrup as teammates, Cabrini played a total of 440 games for Juve in Serie A and cup competitions scoring 52 times.

Cabrini played 73 times for Italy (10 as captain) scoring 9 goals (a record for a defender). In 1987 repeated injuries at a knee forced him to leave the national squad at just 30. A Few months later a young Maldini made his debut for the team. Many believe that Maldini is a very close copy of the great Antonio and some say that Cabrini was even better then Maldini in some departments. Cabrini played with Juve till the 1988-1989 season then with Bologna for 2 more years before retiring.