After a disappointing second round exit at the 2010 World Cup finals and acrimonious departure just months before the following European Championships, supporters do not look fondly on Fabio Capello’s time as England manager.
However, it was actually 42 years ago today that the Italian first had Three Lions fans cursing his name, after he scored the vital goal that gave the Azzurri their first victory on English soil.
In fact, until the two sides met five months earlier at the Stadio Comunale in Turin, the Italians had never overcome them during eight previous meetings – the last coming some 12 years earlier.
With Capello joining Juventus’ Pietro Anastasi – then the most expensive player in the World – on the scoresheet for a 2-0 win in June 1973, they probably should have noted the midfielder’s goalscoring prowess when meeting again that November.
During a time when international friendlies held far more prestige than the ‘cap collecting’ image they have today, the hosts were keen to avenge that defeat and lift some of the gloom surrounding their World Cup qualification exit against Poland less than a month before.
Yet, even World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore making a record extending 108th and final appearance, failed to inspire the home side on a miserable November night and rain-soaked Wembley pitch.
However, as expected, in front of 88,000 spectators, England dominated possession and certainly had the better chances, but the Azzurri defence marshalled by captain Giacinto Facchetti held firm.
With Italian custodian Dino Zoff making several important saves to deny the likes of Peter Osgood and Martin Peters, Italy secured a 10th consecutive match without conceding.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqv5eAY-VDk[/youtube]
As the match edged towards a goalless stalemate, though, Capello collected a pass on the halfway line and quickly released Giorgio Chinaglia down the rightwing with Moore setting off in pursuit.
The Italian somewhat easily beat the England skipper and headed for the touchline, driving the ball across the six yard box, an effort that was probably a shot as much as it was a cross.
Fresh from his mistake a month earlier against the Poles, England goalkeeper Peter Shilton agonisingly palmed the effort straight to Capello, who had been allowed to waltz into the box unmarked and stroke home.
With just three minutes remaining on the clock the Italians knew they had secured their second victory of the year over the former world champions, and a notable first under the famous twin towers.
As the Azzurri left the pitch with a triumphant spring in their step, their English counterparts trudged off staring at the sodden turf. And while Moore knew it would be his last in the famous white shirt, it also marked the end of World Cup winning coach Sir Alf Ramsey’s tenure.
Although, they would gain some revenge with victory back at Wembley three years later, the defeat marked a long-term change in fortunes between the pair, the Italians dominating the majority of contests over the next 40-plus years.
In that time, England have won just four of the 16 encounters, with Italy victorious nine times, not to mention claiming the World Cup twice in 1982 and 2006.
Something Capello’s huge salary was intended to finally ‘bring home’ for the English.
