From humble beginnings in a shoe factory to gracing the pitches of Italy`s biggest clubs and becoming a respected voice in sports broadcasting, Aldo Serena`s career is a testament to perseverance, passion, and a healthy dose of irony. His journey, filled with iconic goals, a infamous penalty miss, and encounters with football`s legends, paints a vivid picture of a life lived at the heart of Italian calcio.
The Name Game: A Childhood of Surprises and Sole Searching
Born Antonio, a mischievous grandmother`s decision at the registry office inadvertently gifted him the name Aldo. While his identity became Aldo, the familiar “Tonino” stuck in his hometown of Montebelluna. This early twist of fate perhaps hinted at a life less ordinary.
Serena`s childhood was far from the pampered academies of today`s football stars. From the tender age of eight, he spent afternoons assisting his father in an uncle`s mountain shoe factory. This early exposure to hard work instilled a resilience that would define his career. Upon his Inter Milan debut, seeing the factory workers in the San Siro North Curve fueled his performance, a powerful connection to his roots.
Despite being a staunch Inter fan, a curious twist of pre-teen fate saw him at a Milanello tryout. Though unsuccessful due to his then-slight stature, he walked away with a consolation prize: a poster of Milan legend Gianni Rivera. A poignant reminder that even rivals can inspire.
Rising Star: From Headers to Agnelli`s Witty Observations
Serena`s physical prowess, particularly his aerial ability, became his trademark. This skill, he recounts with a hint of retro charm, was honed on the basketball courts of his youth, mimicking Yugoslavian legends like Cosic and Dalipagic. It was this remarkable heading ability that prompted Gianni Agnelli, the iconic Juventus patriarch, to coin one of his famous aphorisms: “Serena is strong from the waist up.”
Agnelli’s comment, while seemingly a compliment, held a veiled critique. Yet, it led to early morning calls from “Casa Agnelli,” a unique and somewhat disorienting ritual for many players, where the Avvocato would probe and strategize, always with an eye on the next opponent. Agnelli`s clear favorite, however, was Michel Platini, with whom he shared most of his famous quips.
A Transfer, a Concert, and the Milanese Rollercoaster
Serena`s move to Juventus in 1985 involved a memorable negotiation, intertwined with a landmark cultural event. Inter president Ernesto Pellegrini summoned him for a crucial meeting on June 21st. The catch? Serena had tickets for Bruce Springsteen`s first-ever concert in Italy at San Siro. A true fan, Serena sheepishly requested another day, but Pellegrini`s packed schedule was unyielding. Serena ultimately left the Boss`s concert early, missing the encores, only to be ambushed by journalists outside Pellegrini`s home after being informed of his trade for Tardelli. A moment that perfectly encapsulates the blend of personal passion and professional demands.
His career saw him don the jerseys of all three Italian giants: Inter, Juventus, and Milan. His first stint at AC Milan in 1982, under Giussy Farina, was an almost comical display of mismanagement. The club, recently relegated to Serie B, was so strapped for cash that Milanello, their training ground, was rented out for weddings. Retreats shifted to city hotels, and Serena eventually found himself traded for the enigmatic Luther Blissett, a striker whose playing style left coach Ilario Castagner scratching his head.
His second Milanese chapter under Silvio Berlusconi was a stark contrast: Milanello transformed into a state-of-the-art facility, even boasting medical advancements inspired by the Chicago Bulls. While his relationship with coach Fabio Capello was amicable, his rapport with CEO Adriano Galliani was famously tense. Galliani once called a live TV show to vociferously dispute Serena`s commentary, threatening to ban him from San Siro. Serena, ever cool, continued to enter the stadium unhindered.
Italia `90: The Agony and the Aftermath
The 1990 World Cup on home soil was a defining moment. Serena scored against Uruguay, but it`s the missed penalty against Argentina in the semi-final that remains etched in collective memory. Never a designated penalty-taker, he describes the moment with striking candor: the desperate hope of avoiding the spot, coach Azeglio Vicini`s insistent gaze, “marble legs,” and a “panic attack” turning the goal into a tiny sliver and the goalkeeper into a giant. The miss plunged him into “total darkness,” a memory void that lasted until the third-place playoff. He freely admits he understands why some players refuse the responsibility, a rare and honest admission.
Lessons from Legends: Platini`s Wit and Scirea`s Grace
Serena’s time at Juventus was formative, particularly his relationship with Michel Platini. Platini, known for his genius on and off the pitch, once subtly (and brilliantly) critiqued Serena`s heading: “You know why I wanted you here, Aldo? Because I`d like you to head the ball backwards for me to shoot.” A masterclass in witty coaching that Serena immediately understood and implemented.
Another profound influence was Gaetano Scirea, his teammate and captain at Juventus. Coming from rivals Torino, Serena found a brother in Scirea, a player who embodied class both on and off the field. This familial atmosphere, combined with Juventus`s meticulous organization, left an indelible mark on Serena, who admits he “left a piece of his heart” in Turin.
The Unconventional: Berti`s Parties and a Gaffe in New York
Life off the pitch, especially during his Inter years in Milan`s “Milano da bere” era of the 1980s, was equally vivid. Serena, by his own admission, was a serious man until he met Nicola Berti. Berti, the epitome of “healthy lightness,” hosted legendary open-door parties on his Piazza Liberty terrace, drawing a eclectic crowd from beautiful models (including Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova, Linda Evangelista) to renowned authors like Andrea De Carlo. These gatherings, a necessary pressure release for players, also highlighted the unique social fabric of that period.
The anecdotes extend to the 1994 World Cup in the USA, where Serena, now a fan, stayed at Berti`s Soho house in New York (later owned by Patti Smith). Amidst fashion photographers and top models, he found himself committing a memorable gaffe. During the Italy-Ireland match, frustrated by Italy`s performance, he loudly criticized coach Arrigo Sacchi. Only later did he discover that one of the blonde women sitting beside him was Federica Sacchi, the coach`s daughter. A swift invitation to Berti’s party thankfully smoothed over the awkward encounter.
The Second Act: From Pitch to Commentary Box
Serena`s “second life” as a television commentator began in 1994, replacing Juventus legend Roberto Bettega at Mediaset. His very first commentary gig, a dull Lazio-Ajax friendly, taught him a crucial lesson in commercial broadcasting. His honest assessment of the game`s lack of excitement led to immediate warnings from the director: “Minus twenty thousand viewers!” He quickly learned to temper his honesty with a mindful approach to tone and language, proving that even a straightforward former striker could adapt to the nuances of media.
Over the years, he has commented on 17 Champions League finals, witnessing the pinnacle of club football. He speaks with admiration for colleagues like Pierluigi Pardo, praising his dialectic skills and ability to find information on the fly. Yet, a special affection is reserved for Bruno Longhi and Sandro Piccinini, his initial mentors in the commentary box, with whom he shared countless adventures.
The Enduring Essence of Sport
When asked about the most beautiful moment of his sporting life, it wasn`t a Scudetto or a World Cup goal, but the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Although Italy finished fourth, the experience in the Olympic village was “magical,” representing the true “essence of sport” – a purity that perhaps only an athlete who has seen the full spectrum of professional football`s demands can truly appreciate.
Aldo Serena`s narrative is a rich tapestry woven with ambition, occasional missteps, genuine friendships, and a constant evolution. He remains a testament to a bygone era of Italian football, a player who navigated the beautiful game`s complexities with a blend of raw talent, quiet integrity, and an unexpectedly entertaining flair for storytelling.
