In the summer of 1973, Giorgio Mastropasqua returned to Juventus, the club where he had developed through the youth ranks. At just 22 years old, he arrived back in Turin following three seasons spent honing his skills in Umbria, first with Perugia and then notably with Ternana. But Mastropasqua wasn`t just another returning player; he was a defender who had embraced a distinctly modern interpretation of the “libero,” or sweeper, role, challenging the tactical norms prevalent in Italy at the time.
The traditional Italian sweeper of the early 1970s was often seen as a defensive anchor. Positioned behind the central defenders, their primary task was to patrol space, cover errors, and clear danger – a final barrier before the goalkeeper, embodying the defensive-first mantra of Italian football. It was a role focused on destruction rather than creation.
Mastropasqua, however, had learned a different approach during his time at Ternana under coach Corrado Viciani. Integrated into Viciani`s “gioco corto” (short passing game) system, the sweeper wasn`t confined to purely defensive duties. Mastropasqua was encouraged, even required, to push forward, contribute to build-up play, and add an attacking dimension. This was the concept of the “building sweeper” – a player who could initiate attacks from deep, providing an extra man in midfield or even venturing towards the opposition goal. This tactical evolution wasn`t born purely of innovation; at Ternana, it also served a practical purpose, compensating for a lack of dedicated goalscorers by requiring contributions from all areas of the pitch, including the back line.
This unconventional style initially garnered positive attention. Mastropasqua was called up to the Italy Under 23 squad, and commentators praised his modern approach as a refreshing departure from defensive rigidity. Yet, as Ternana`s results began to suffer, the narrative shifted. His forward forays and the perceived “excessive casualness” in defensive interpretation came under scrutiny. Suddenly, the “building sweeper” was blamed, and Mastropasqua found his place in the Under 23s questioned, told that for him to play, the entire team would need to be built around his specific style – a testament to how different it was, but also an excuse to sideline him.
Returning to Juventus, Mastropasqua rejoined several familiar faces from his youth days, including future legends like Roberto Bettega and Franco Causio. Despite the homecoming, he faced stiff competition in his preferred sweeper position. The established hierarchy meant opportunities would be limited, but he remained hopeful, understanding that patience and experience were necessary for a young player, especially one in such a critical role.
He considered the possibility of adapting to play further forward, perhaps as a backup to Fabio Capello, a notion that arose from his dynamic play in training. However, he felt most comfortable and effective as a sweeper, drawing inspiration from the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, whom he regarded as the master of the attacking sweeper role. Comparing his time in Terni, a provincial environment with a passionate but localized fanbase, to the constant national spotlight of Juventus, Mastropasqua acknowledged the significant difference in pressure and profile.
Despite his hopes and unique tactical perspective, Mastropasqua`s second stint at Juventus proved brief and largely disappointing in terms of playing time. The established order, perhaps symbolized by the formidable presence of the senior defenders, meant he made only 8 appearances during the 1973-74 season. His time in black and white concluded swiftly. He was traded to Atalanta.
The irony for Giorgio Mastropasqua is profound. A player who was arguably ahead of his time in Italy, pushing the boundaries of the sweeper role, found himself unable to fully integrate and showcase his vision at Juventus. And the player for whom he was traded? A young defender from Atalanta who would go on to become perhaps the greatest “building sweeper” Italian football has ever known, a symbol of elegance and tactical intelligence who defined the role for decades to come: Gaetano Scirea. Mastropasqua`s journey, though brief at Juventus, is a fascinating footnote in the club`s history, representing a transitional moment in tactics and playing a quiet, indirect role in ushering in an era of defensive greatness.