Former Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi defended teammate Walter Zenga over a decisive conceded goal during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, revealing that Zenga wore his own goalkeeping gloves during the tournament, according to reports in la Repubblica.
The 1990 World Cup Goal and Goalkeeping Gloves
During a wide-ranging interview covering his storied career, Tacconi addressed the enduring debate surrounding Italy’s semi-final exit at the 1990 World Cup hosted on home soil. He stated that Zenga bore no fault for the famous goal conceded against Argentina, noting a unique detail from the tournament: Zenga wore Tacconi’s personal gloves during the match.
Boniperti, Agnelli, and the Milanello Helicopter Fine
Beyond national team memories, Tacconi recounted disciplinary episodes from his time at Juventus under legendary club president Giampiero Boniperti. Tacconi recalled a hefty 10-million-lire fine levied by Boniperti after a provocative remark about Silvio Berlusconi arriving at Milanello in a helicopter, where the goalkeeper quipped that Berlusconi was practicing how to escape at the end of the season. According to Calciomercato, club owner Gianni Agnelli intervened to pay half of that penalty.
Gaetano Scirea and the Forgotten Ride
Tacconi also shared an anecdote regarding the late, revered sweeper Gaetano Scirea, describing the only fine Scirea ever received during his career. After forgetting Scirea’s request for a morning ride to training due to car trouble, Tacconi recalled that Scirea arrived thirty minutes late and received a club fine. When Tacconi offered to pay half of the penalty, Scirea insisted that Tacconi pay the entire amount himself, as reported by Calciomercato.
Calling for Alessandro Del Piero to Lead Juventus
Shifting focus to the current administration at Turin, Tacconi argued that appointing former captain Alessandro Del Piero as club president would be the best possible move for Juventus. Questioning how ownership allocates funds, Tacconi suggested that installing a historic club figure at the helm would better serve the organization moving forward.
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