Marco Tardelli, born on September 24, 1954, in Careggine, a small town in the province of Lucca, Italy, is a legendary figure in the world of football. Known for his tenacity, versatility, and iconic moments on the field, Tardelli’s career has been a source of inspiration for many. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a world-renowned footballer is a story worth telling.
Early Life and Beginnings
Marco Tardelli was the youngest of four children in a modest family. His father was a worker for the Italian road service (ANAS), and the family lived in simple conditions. From an early age, Tardelli showed a passion for football, playing in local clubs in Pisa, where his family had moved. Despite his talent, his early attempts to join major clubs like Bologna, Fiorentina, and AC Milan were unsuccessful due to concerns about his physique. However, his determination paid off when he was signed by Pisa for a modest sum of 70,000 lire.
Rise to Prominence
Tardelli’s early professional career began with Pisa in Serie C, where he played for two years, scoring four goals in 41 appearances. His performance caught the attention of bigger clubs, and in 1974, he was signed by Como, where he played his first Serie B season, scoring two goals in 36 matches. His time at Como was crucial, as it led to interest from several Serie A teams.
In 1975, after a bidding war between Fiorentina, Inter Milan, and Juventus, Tardelli was signed by Juventus for a then-significant sum of 950 million lire. Under the guidance of coach Carlo Parola, Tardelli initially struggled to secure a position in the team, but his relentless work ethic and versatile playing style soon made him a fixture in the Juventus midfield.
Juventus Glory Years
Tardelli’s time at Juventus was marked by success and personal growth. He became known for his strong defensive skills, powerful shots, and the ability to score crucial goals. His official debut for Juventus came on August 27, 1975, in a Coppa Italia match against Taranto, which Juventus won 2-0. Despite some initial challenges in adapting to the team’s style of play, Tardelli quickly established himself as a key player.
During his decade at Juventus, Tardelli helped the team secure numerous titles, including five Serie A championships, a UEFA Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup, and two Coppa Italia titles. His performances on the field made him a fan favorite and earned him a place among the club’s legends.
International Stardom and the 1982 World Cup
Marco Tardelli’s international career with the Italian national team is one of his most celebrated achievements. He made his debut for Italy on April 7, 1976, in a friendly match against Portugal. Under the management of Enzo Bearzot, Tardelli became a regular starter and played a pivotal role in Italy’s campaigns in the 1978 World Cup and the 1980 European Championship.
However, it was the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain that solidified Tardelli’s place in football history. Italy’s journey to the final was marked by a series of intense matches, and Tardelli’s contributions were vital. He scored two important goals during the tournament, the most memorable being in the final against West Germany. His goal, which made the score 2-0, was followed by his famous “Tardelli scream” — a raw, emotional celebration that has been immortalized in football lore.
Italy went on to win the final 3-1, securing their third World Cup title. Tardelli’s performance in the tournament earned him widespread acclaim, and his goal in the final is still considered one of the greatest moments in World Cup history.
The Heysel Tragedy and Departure from Juventus
Tardelli’s last match for Juventus was one of the most tragic in football history. On May 29, 1985, Juventus faced Liverpool in the European Cup final at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels. The match, which should have been a celebration of football, was overshadowed by the Heysel Stadium disaster, where 39 fans lost their lives due to a stadium collapse and subsequent crowd trouble.
Juventus won the match 1-0, but the victory was hollow for Tardelli and his teammates, who were deeply affected by the tragedy. Tardelli later reflected on the event, stating that he could never fully acknowledge the victory because of the loss of life that occurred.
After leaving Juventus, Tardelli joined Inter Milan, where he played for two seasons. Although his time at Inter did not match the success he enjoyed at Juventus, he remained a respected figure in Italian football.
Coaching Career and Later Life
After retiring as a player, Marco Tardelli transitioned into coaching. His coaching career began with roles in the Italian youth system, including a stint as the head coach of the Italy Under-16 team. In 1993, he took on his first major coaching role with Como, leading the team to promotion to Serie B.
Tardelli’s coaching career saw mixed success. He had brief and challenging tenures with clubs like Cesena, Bari, and Arezzo. In 2000, he led the Italy Under-21 team to victory in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which was one of his most significant achievements as a coach.
Tardelli also had a short and turbulent spell as the head coach of Inter Milan during the 2000-2001 season. His time at Inter was marked by a heavy 6-0 defeat to AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina, one of the most lopsided results in the derby’s history. This defeat, coupled with other poor results, led to his dismissal in June 2001.
In 2008, Tardelli joined the Republic of Ireland national team as an assistant coach to Giovanni Trapattoni. He held this position until 2013, contributing to Ireland’s qualification for the 2012 UEFA European Championship.
Personal Life and Legacy
Marco Tardelli’s personal life has been relatively private, though some aspects have come to public attention. He has two children: Sara Tardelli, a journalist, and Nicola Tardelli, a model. His relationships have also attracted media interest, particularly his relationship with journalist and TV presenter Myrta Merlino.
In 2016, Tardelli published his autobiography, “Tutto o Niente – La Mia Storia” (“All or Nothing – My Story”), which provides a candid account of his life, career, and the challenges he faced both on and off the field. The book was co-written with his daughter Sara, highlighting the close relationship between father and daughter.
Marco Tardelli’s legacy in football is indelible. He is remembered not only for his skill and achievements but also for the passion and emotion he brought to the game. His famous scream after scoring in the 1982 World Cup final remains one of the most iconic images in football history, symbolizing the joy and intensity of the sport.
Conclusion
Marco Tardelli’s journey from a small town in Tuscany to the pinnacle of world football is a testament to his determination, talent, and love for the game. His contributions to Juventus, the Italian national team, and football, in general, have left a lasting impact. Tardelli’s story is one of resilience and triumph, and his place in football history is secure.
As he continues to be involved in football through various roles and remains a respected figure in the sport, Marco Tardelli’s life and career will continue to inspire future generations of footballers and fans alike.
