Italy-Northern Ireland: Tribute Honoring Beppe Savoldi Begins with Moment of Silence

The Italian Football Federation and president Gabriele Gravina expressed their condolences to the family of Giuseppe “Beppe” Savoldi. He died at the age of 79.

A moment of silence will be held tonight at the Stadio di Bergamo. The tribute precedes the World Cup play-off semi-final between Italy and Northern Ireland.

Club career

Savoldi was one of the most prolific Italian strikers of the 1970s. He played for Atalanta, Bologna and Napoli.

His summer 1975 transfer from Bologna to Napoli earned him the nickname “mister due miliardi.” That move was then the most expensive in professional Italian football.

In Serie A he scored 168 goals across 405 appearances. Those numbers underline his scoring consistency at top level.

Achievements

He shared the Serie A capocannoniere title in 1972/73. Savoldi scored 17 goals that season, level with Paolo Pulici and Gianni Rivera.

International record

Savoldi wore the Azzurri shirt four times. He scored one international goal.

The goal came from a penalty against Greece in Florence on 30 December 1975. Italy won that friendly 3-2.

Tributes and match homage

Officials announced a pre-match tribute at Bergamo for the Italy-Northern Ireland fixture. The ceremony will include a moment of silence in his honor.

Coverage described the event as a fitting farewell. Filmogaz.com confirms the FIGC and Gravina joined the public expressions of mourning.