Franco Causio

Franco Causio is a former Italian footballer who had an illustrious playing career spanning over two decades. He was born on February 1, 1949, in Lecce, Italy, and began his football journey playing for his hometown club Lecce.

Causio was a versatile player who could play in various positions, but he was primarily known as a winger. In 1967, he joined Juventus, one of Italy's most successful and iconic clubs. At Juventus, Causio quickly established himself as a key player and won numerous titles during his 11-year stay at the club.

Causio was nicknamed the Baron due to his stylish looks and play, and he cut an iconic figure on the right wing in the 1970s and 1980s, his shock of black hair and his moustache making him one of the most identifiable players of that Serie A era.

During his time at Juventus, Causio won six Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia titles, and the UEFA Cup. He was also part of the Juventus team that reached the European Cup final in 1973, although they were defeated by Ajax Amsterdam. Causio was a vital member of the team, providing pace and creativity on the wing and scoring important goals.

Causio was also a regular member of the Italian national team during the 1970s, playing in two FIFA World Cups in 1974 and 1978. He played a key role in Italy's run to the final in 1978, scoring a goal in the tournament and helping his team to finish in fourth place.

After leaving Juventus in 1978, Causio had brief stints at Udinese and Sampdoria before moving to Inter Milan in 1980. He played for Inter Milan for two seasons before moving to Switzerland to play for FC Lugano.

Causio returned to Italy in 1983 to play for Lazio, where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional football. After his playing career, Causio became a successful coach, managing clubs in Italy, Switzerland, and his hometown Lecce.

Causio's career was defined by his skill, versatility, and success at the highest level of Italian and international football. His achievements with Juventus and the Italian national team cemented his place as one of the greatest Italian players of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire young players in Italy and beyond.