AC MILAN 1980/81 ROSTER

SERIE B

Relegation to Serie B brought with it inevitable changes: after Felice Colombo, it was Gaetano Morazzoni's turn to take over the helm of the club. The team was still coached by Massimo Giacomini. The big arrival in the market was Mauro Tassotti, whilst Alberico Evani and Andrea Icardi were promoted from the youth team. The league campaign was commanding, from start to finish, from victory in the opener against Bari (1-0, goal scored by De Vecchi) to the final match against Monza (1-0, Novellino's goal) which earned promotion. A leading season, but not easy: dirty matches, uncomfortable opposition. The Diavolo emerged from the fight in first place (50 points), ahead of Cesena and Genoa, and with the best attack. The development of off-field events led Giacomini to resign before the final away match in Pescara, with Italo Galbiati on the bench. Fourth place, however, in the Coppa Italia group, behind Avellino, Palermo and Inter. In the summer, Silvio Berlusconi made his first appearance in the world of football, confessing his Rossonero faith and organising the first Mundialito. Dutch star Johan Cruyff made his Rossonero debut in the tournament against Feyenoord.