Enzo Bearzot passed away in Milan on December 21, 2010 at the age of 83. The beloved, pipe-smoking football coach is best remembered for leading the Italian National team to victory in the 1982 World Cup.
Bearzot was born in Aiello del Friuli on September 26, 1927. He made his professional football debut in 1946 and had a fairly successful career as a center back.
After retiring from play, Enzo Bearzot became head coach of Italy’s national football team in 1977. Under Bearzot’s coaching, the team soon qualified for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, but finished a disappointing fourth overall.
As the 1982 World Cup approached, Bearzot’s leadership came under scrutiny. After the first three matches went poorly, criticism increased and Bearzot imposed “silenzio stampa,” or press silence. Bearzot stoically faced his critics in the Italian press with complete silence, refusing interviews and appearances.
Bearzot’s silent 1982 team went on to defeat Argentina and Brazil, finally beating Germany in the final round to win the World Cup. Enzo Bearzot returned to Italy a hero, revitalizing the international reputation of the Italian football league.
Enzo Bearzot retired from coaching in 1986, but remains a national hero, even in passing. He will forever be admired for disciplining and transforming the Italian football team the into a world-champion caliber squad it remains today.
