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When Calcio Ruled the World

An unashamedly misty-eyed look back through the eras of calcio that shaped our passion for the game. A nod the 90s, a wink to the 80s and a tip of the hat to days of yore.

Home / Series / When Calcio Ruled the World
Adriano Inter 2004

The Tragedy of L’Imperatore

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026Gentleman Ultra

A profile of Adriano, the troubled but prolific Brazilian striker by guest contributor Krisztián Horváth of Behind The Transfer....

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Pietro Vierchowod

Pietro Vierchowod – the defensive giant with an eye for goal

April 5, 2024April 5, 2024Stephen Kasiewicz

Pietro Vierchowod is one of Italy’s most illustrious defenders, up their with Maldini and Zanetti on the list of Serie A greats. Stephen Kasiewicz explores his unlikely beginnings as...

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Agostino Di Bartolomei

Roma’s Golden Era and the forgotten tragedy of its legendary captain

April 1, 2024April 1, 2024Wayne Girard

During Roma’s golden era in the early 1980s, the club nurtured home grown talent and showcased top international stars as it enjoyed a period of unprecedented success. It was...

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When Calcio Ruled the World: Francesco Toldo

September 19, 2023September 19, 2023Richard Hall

Richard Hall remembers the career of Fiorentina goalkeeper Francesco Toldo for the Gentleman Ultra's "When Calcio Ruled the World" series....

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Andreas Möller

When Calcio Ruled the World: Andreas Möller – Juve’s overlooked playmaker

October 8, 2020August 20, 2021Michele Tossani

In 1992, Simply Red sang Stars, while German Eurodance group, Snap! rose to prominence when they released the instant classic Rhythm is a dancer. They became definitive records of...

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Fernando De Napoli

When Calcio Ruled the World: Fernando De Napoli

March 6, 2019August 16, 2021Gentleman Ultra

No football team can rely on one genius alone to achieve greatness. Perhaps nowhere in Italian football history is this idea more misrepresented than when talking about ‘Maradona’s Napoli.’...

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Gianluca Pagliuca

When Calcio Ruled the World: Gianluca Pagliuca

April 25, 2018August 20, 2021thegentlemanultra

The searing Pasadena sunshine burned down on Gianluca Pagliuca with 15 minutes remaining in the World Cup Final. Brazil’s Mauro Silva unleashed a 25-yard shot straight at the Italian...

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Angelo Di Livio

When Calcio Ruled the World: Il Soldatino, Angelo Di Livio

March 22, 2017August 18, 2021Ricci Potts

Angelo Di Livio is a joke. That is harsh on a man who won three Scudetti, two Coppe Italia and the Champions League, but the former Juventus and Fiorentina...

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Angelo Peruzzi

When Calcio Ruled the World: Angelo Peruzzi

December 4, 2016August 20, 2021Richard Hall

​When Gazzetta Dello Sport interviewed Angelo Peruzzi in 2015 he was fishing in Blera, Lazio. This small town is his birthplace and it is where part of his goalkeeping...

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Giuseppe Signori

When Calcio Ruled the World: Beppe Signori

December 2, 2016August 20, 2021Richard Hall

Giuseppe “Beppe” Signori was one of the most complete and ruthless forwards of his era. His name is remembered, but why is he not on a pedestal. When one...

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