Legendary Milan Midfielder Giovanni Lodetti Passes Away at 81

Former Milan and Italy midfielder and one of the most prominent figures of the Rossoneri during the 1960s, Giovanni Lodetti, has died at the age of 81. 

A diminutive defensive midfielder, Lodetti made 216 league appearances for Milan, scoring 16 goals between 1961 and 1970, before moving on to Sampdoria for four seasons, Foggia for a further two, eventually finishing his playing career with Novara in 1978. 

With Milan, Lodetti won it all: Two Serie A titles, two European Cups, the Cup Winners’ Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and the Coppa Italia. 

Lodetti was also capped by Italy on 17 occasions between 1964 and 1968. He had been part of the World Cup squad in 1966, before helping the Azzurri win the European Championships on home soil in 1968. 

Following a long and successful playing career at the top of the game, Lodetti enjoyed many years of television work after his retirement, featuring as a co-commentator and pundit on Serie A matches for many years. 

Milan have since posted the following message in tribute: “He had infinite love for Milan, for all his Rossoneri teammates and friends. He ran, fought, won and lived with his shirt, the Lodetti. 

“Our most heartfelt and sincere condolences go out to Mrs. Rita and her son Massimo for the loss of the inimitable Giovanni, our unforgettable Basletta.”