Summer 1977: Juventus, fresh off winning the league title and the UEFA Cup, was preparing for the final stages of the Coppa Italia. Coach Trapattoni decided to give playing time to резерve players and promising youngsters from the youth team. Among them was Luigi Capuzzo, who thus had the chance to wear the black and white jersey.
He made three appearances, against Inter Milan (home and away) and Lecce. After the competition, he was transferred to Cagliari.
Luigi Capuzzo was considered one of the most promising young players at Juventus. He arrived in 1973 and played for the youth teams before joining Trapattoni`s first team squad in August. He was on the bench a few times, even in the UEFA Cup in Manchester. He is a classic mobile center-forward with a natural instinct for goal. Born on April 1, 1958, in Anguillara Veneta, near Padua, he was expected to have a great career.
In an interview, Capuzzo shared his thoughts with remarkable insight for such a young player.
When asked about his strengths and weaknesses, Gigi mentioned his shot and movement as strengths. He acknowledged his technical skills needed improvement, but expressed confidence in his progress with daily training.
He listed Bolognesi (Padova), Bussone, Viola, Castano, and Grosso as his coaches.
Regarding his aspirations at Juventus, he was content with being part of the first team and ready to step in when needed. He was also playing regularly for the youth team.
Capuzzo described his ideal coach as someone who collaborates with players, explains expectations clearly, and maintains discipline during training. He emphasized the need for hard work in modern football.
Asked about facing tough defenders, he said he would compete fiercely on the pitch within the rules, but remain friendly off the field, believing fouls are quickly forgotten.
He admitted to being sent off once in a youth championship match and acknowledged it was deserved.
He ruled out becoming a referee due to the immense responsibility.
Regarding his footballing desires, he was currently satisfied with his progress but acknowledged the future need for financial security as football was his profession.
He described himself as sincere and open.
He found similarities in character with Juventus teammates Cabrini and Marchetti, known for their playful nature.
He mentioned nightly self-reflection, reviewing his day`s actions without regrets.
The biggest sacrifice for his athletic life was being away from home since a young age. He missed his family in Anguillara, near Padua, but appreciated their visits and phone calls.
Regarding leisure, he enjoyed movies, especially thrillers, admiring actors like Agostina Belli and Paul Newman. He watched limited television, mainly for football games.
He enjoyed various music genres, particularly modern pop and underground, naming Genesis, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, and Italian singer-songwriters as favorites.
He enjoyed reading, recently appreciating Cesare Pavese`s “The Moon and the Bonfires.”
Being a Juventus player at a young age was a source of immense satisfaction, beyond words.
His favorite food was “baccalà alla padovana” prepared by his mother.
He hadn`t considered post-football plans, focusing on enjoying his current carefree period.
He claimed to have never argued in private life, preferring to live and let live.
He expressed understanding for protests having some basis, though he wouldn`t participate.
He valued the wisdom of older people and appreciated their advice.
If cast in a film, he imagined himself playing a sheriff.
After a defeat, he focused on analyzing mistakes and areas for improvement, even at youth level.
He didn`t believe in destiny, seeing it as self-made through willpower and capabilities.
In difficult moments, he turned to his parents for reassurance and advice, which quickly improved his mood.
He believed in friendship and had true friends he could rely on.
The most significant person he met was boxer Benvenuti, impressed to see him out of the ring.
He had never played Totocalcio (football pools), finding it unappealing.
He realized his potential at a Coverciano coaching course when praised by coaches, confirming his own belief in his abilities.