Franco Causio

Franco Causio

200px Franco Causio
Personal information
Full name	Franco Causio
Date of birth	(1949-02-01) February 1, 1949
Place of birth	Lecce, Italy
Height
Position(s)	Left winger
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1964–1965	Lecce	3	(0)
1965–1966	Sambenedettese	13	(0)
1966–1968	Juventus	1	(0)
1968–1969	Reggina	30	(5)
1969–1970	Palermo	22	(3)
1970–1981	Juventus	304	(49)
1981–1984	Udinese	83	(11)
1984–1985	Inter	24	(0)
1985–1986	Lecce	26	(3)
1986–1988	Triestina	64	(5)
1964–1988	Total	570	(76)
International career
1972–1983	Italy	63	(6)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Franco Causio (Italian pronunciation: [ˈfraŋko ˈkauzjo]; born 1 February 1949 in Lecce) is an Italian, World Cup winning former footballer who played for Juventus for many years in the 1970s and 1980s. Regarded as one of the top Italian players of his generation, Causio was usually deployed as a wide midfielder or as a left winger. He was gifted with excellent technical ability and creativity, and was an accurate crosser. In addition to his ball control and dribbling skills, he was also a fast and hardworking player, who possessed notable stamina, which enabled him to continually run up and down the flank. Regarded as one of Italy's greatest wingers, throughout his career, he was give the nickname "The Baron", because of his stylish moves on the pitch, as well as his well-educated upbringing, and his fair attitude in life.

Biography

Causio was born in Lecce (Apulia), and moved to Juventus when he was 17.

Club Career

After some years on loan in Serie B (playing in Reggina and Palermo), he returned to Juventus in during 1970. For 11 years he wore the number jersey 7 for Juventus, and played alongside notable players such as Roberto Bettega, Roberto Boninsegna, Pietro Anastasi, Claudio Gentile, Marco Tardelli, Dino Zoff, Gaetano Scirea and Antonio Cabrini. During a highly successful period with the club, he won the scudetto six times, as well as winning a Coppa Italia, and an UEFA Cup. He also reached the European Cup final with Juventus during the 1972-73 season, as well as the Intercontinental Cup final that same year, narrowly missing out on a treble with the club, following their defeat in the Coppa Italia final that season, despite their Serie A title. His best finish in the European Cup Winners' Cup was during the 1979-80 season, when Juventus reached the semi-finals of the tournament.

Immediately after winning the Scudetto for the sixth time in his final season with Juventus, he moved to Udinese in 1981, where he played for 3 years, teaming up with Brazilian national team star player Zico. Following his time at Udinese, he played in his local town's football team, Lecce, in its debut in Serie A (1985-86). Subsequently he signed for Inter. He finished his career playing for Serie B team Triestina at the age of 39.

International Career

Cuasio made his debut with Italian national football team on April 29, 1972 in a 0-0 draw against Belgium, in a 1972 European qualifying match. He was in the Italian squad at the 1974 World Cup, and at the 1978 World Cup, where the Italians finished in fourth place after reaching the semi-final. He also represented Italy at the 1980 European Championship on home soil, where they once again finished in fourth place after a semi-final finish. He was most notably a member of the Italian squad that won the 1982 World Cup.

Honours

Club

Juventus

• Serie A: 1971-72, 1972-73, 1974-75, 1976-77, 1977-78, 1980-81
• Coppa Italia: 1978-79
• UEFA Cup: 1976-77

International

Italy

• FIFA World Cup: 1982