In the grand tapestry of Italian football, some threads are woven with grit, determination, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. Emilio Caprile, a name perhaps less shouted from the terraces today, offers a compelling window into a bygone era – a time when defenders were «beasts,» celebrations were subdued, and the lawyer Gianni Agnelli was both a benefactor and a fascinating figure. Join us as we delve into the reflections of this tenacious left-winger, whose two stints with Juventus and encounters with legends shaped a remarkable career.
Emilio Caprile during his playing days.
A Gritty Start and Olympic Dreams
Born in Genoa on September 30, 1928, Emilio Caprile was a left-footed winger known for his determination and tenacity. His early career saw him represent Italy at the 1948 London Olympics, a significant achievement that paved his way to Turin. Fresh from the Olympic stage, Caprile joined Juventus for the 1948-49 season. He quickly established himself, making 32 appearances and scoring 9 goals – a respectable tally for a winger in that era.
Yet, his first tenure with the Bianconeri was brief. After just one season, he moved to Atalanta, only to return to Juventus in the summer of 1951, just in time to clinch a Serie A Scudetto title. This second spell, however, saw him often playing second fiddle to the formidable Danish left-winger Karl Aage Præst. Despite limited game time (5 appearances, 2 goals), Caprile remembers Præst with admiration:
«He was a great player, even if a bit slow. I had no complaints about being his reserve. He was very tall and had a sharp dribble that made him very dangerous, besides knowing how to cross precisely.»
Caprile`s entire Juventus career spanned two seasons, accumulating 37 appearances and 11 goals, before he embarked on further stints with Lazio, Como, and Legnano, experiencing the varied landscape of Italian football.
Facing Giants: The Grande Torino and Old School Football
Caprile`s time in the Serie A placed him directly against some of football`s most mythical teams, including the legendary Grande Torino. He vividly recalls the derbies against the Granata in the 1948-49 season, both of which Juventus lost. «Torino was truly a great team,» he muses, listing names like Mazzola, Loik, and Gabetto. «They were great players of high class. They were better than Juve.»
His memories extend to the raw physicality of the game. He recounts facing Ballarin, a Torino defender who «hit like a damned man» and stuck to him like glue, and Blason, who «hit like a blacksmith.» This prompts a fascinating comparison with modern football:
«They made very hard tackles on the legs. No elbows or punches to the face, as happens now. All in all, it was easy to play against them, though. The full-backs were `beasts` but not fast: I just had to anticipate them, launch the ball far, and I`d gain two or three meters in a few moments. Now defenders are much more agile and fast: I`m not ashamed to say that if I played now, I wouldn`t touch the ball.»
This candid admission, tinged with a touch of irony, highlights the dramatic evolution of defensive play and player athleticism over the decades. It`s a reminder that while the core game remains, its execution has transformed entirely.
Life at the «Old Lady» and the Agnelli Era
Beyond the pitch, Caprile offers a rare glimpse into the internal workings of Juventus, affectionately known as «The Old Lady,» during the post-war period. He describes the environment as «very affected, not at all easy, and very selective,» suggesting a demanding club culture. However, he also acknowledges being treated well and being handsomely compensated: «We were paid well: 90,000 lire a month plus a series of bonuses that significantly increased the base pay.» Intriguingly, player salaries back then were influenced by the population of the city where the club was located – a detail that seems utterly alien in today`s globalized market.
No discussion of Juventus in that era would be complete without mentioning Gianni Agnelli, the iconic lawyer and industrialist who personified the club. Caprile remembers Agnelli as an «authoritative person, whose charm you succumbed to.» As a token of their Scudetto victory in 1952, Agnelli gifted Caprile a Juventus-colored doll, a cherished memento he still keeps today. This small anecdote paints a picture of a more personal, perhaps paternalistic, relationship between club ownership and players, a stark contrast to the corporate structures prevalent in modern football.
A Pantheon of Bianconeri Greats
Caprile`s reflections also illuminate the caliber of his teammates and opponents. He speaks admiringly of some of Juventus`s most revered figures:
- Giampiero Boniperti: Described as «a straight shooter, who knew how to assert himself, besides being a classy player.»
- Carletto Parola: Hailed as «a gentleman in the true sense of the word,» embodying sportsmanship and integrity.
- Pietro Rava: The legendary left-back, Olympic gold medalist in 1936 and 1938 World Cup winner, described as «passionate and a very good marker.» His defensive prowess was clearly etched in Caprile`s memory.
- He also holds fond memories of Danish forward John Hansen and Italian winger Ermes Muccinelli, who added flair and firepower to the Bianconeri attack.
These personal insights from Caprile provide a valuable human dimension to the historical records, reminding us that behind every statistic and trophy, there were individuals with unique personalities and playing styles.
The Simplicity of Triumph
One of the most striking differences Caprile highlights is the evolution of Scudetto celebrations. Unlike the elaborate open-top bus parades and mass gatherings of today, victories in his era were marked with quiet dignity:
«There were no particular celebrations, like the open-top bus with the crowd around. We were invited by lawyer Agnelli to Villar Perosa for a gala dinner.»
This understated approach to success underscores a different culture, one where the achievement itself, and perhaps the shared meal, held more significance than public spectacle. It speaks to a time before mass media transformed sporting triumphs into global events.
Emilio Caprile`s narrative isn`t just a trip down memory lane; it`s a testament to the enduring spirit of football and the profound changes it has undergone. From the physical duels against «beasts» to gala dinners with industrialists, his story is a rich, unvarnished account of an era that shaped not only Juventus but the very fabric of Italian football. It serves as a fascinating reminder that while the game evolves, the passion and memories of its heroes remain timeless.
Ewan Marwood