GOODBYE MARIO

Mario Bergamaschi passed away at the age of 91 in Crema last night. Nicknamed ‘Spanna’, he was a right-sided midfielder in the famous ‘Gre-No-Li’ team. He played for the Italian National Team and won two Scudetti with AC Milan during the 50s. He had been the oldest living former Milan player and he leaves us a few months after the passing of Renzo Burini at the age of 92.

Bergamaschi loved the Rossoneri colours to the very end, they were a part of him, of his character. Toni Busini, the Rossoneri manager at the time and a famous figure in Italian football history, concluded his signing from Como the night before leaving for Lisbon, where AC Milan would compete in the Latin Cup. The Rossoneri won the semi-final against Sporting Lisbon, but came up short in the final against Stade Reims.

Mario Bergamaschi achieved a record of one win, three draws and one loss during his time with the Azzurri. He was also a part of a Rossoneri side that won three trophies in three seasons: the Scudetto in 1955, the Latin Cup in 1956 and another Scudetto in 1957.

Baldini, Castoldi and the Gazzetta dello Sport wrote the following about him: “The Rossoneri will remember his most glorious seasons and a humble and sociable man of the people, like Liedholm and Schiaffino. Viano deployed him in a free and supporting role, in the defence and even further back. And that’s not all. Out on the left flank he was cautious and rock-solid, a stubborn sentinel. His passes were very rarely with flaw, and this amply complimented his commitment and determination.”