Claudio Sala
Updated: 4 hours ago
Claudio Sala was born in Macherio (Monza), on September 8, 1947.
He started with the Monza youth sector and in 1965 joined the first team squad.
He played for Monza for three seasons, making 74 league appearances with 24 goals. The Brianzoli were in Serie B and finished 19th (relegated), 1st (promoted) and 8th. His managers were Vincenzo Rigamonti, Bruno Dazzi, Gigi Radice and Bruno Dazzi again. His teammates included Lazio connection Gian Piero Ghio (1968-70).
In 1968-69 Sala spent a season with Napoli in A. He played 27 games (23 in A) with 3 goals (2 in A, Varese, Pisa). The Partenopei finished 7th under Giuseppe Chiapella who started and finished with a 9-game interlude by Egidio Costanzo. His teammates included future Lazio manager Dino Zoff (1990-94, 1997, 2001).
In 1969 he joined Torino, a love affair which would last eleven seasons. He played 336 games (286 in A) with 55 goals (51 in A) and won a Scudetto in 1975-76 and a Coppa Italia in 1970-71. Torino finished 7th, 8th, 2nd, 6th, 5th, 6th, 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 4th and 3rd. His managers were Giancarlo Cadè, Beniamino Cancian, Gustavo Giagnoni (two and a half seasons), Edmondo Fabbri, Gigi Radice (five seasons including Scudetto year) and Ercole Rabitti.
His teammates included Lazio connections; Giambattista Moschino (1962-63, 1971-73), Claudio Garella (1976-78), Aldo Cantarutti (1978-79), Giuseppe Greco (1980-81), Giuliano Terraneo (1986-87), Giancarlo Camolese (1986-88) and Claudio Sclosa (1988-94, 1995).
In 1980 he signed for his last club, Genoa. He stayed two seasons and played 44 games (14 in A). The Rossoblu were in Serie B but won promotion under future Lazio, Gigi Simoni and then came 13th in A. His teammates included Lazio connections; Stefano Di Chiara (1973-76), Enrico Todesco (1979-80), Silvano Martina (1987-89) and Giuseppe Corti (1985-86).
Sala then retired at 34.
He won 18 caps for Italy including 2 games in the 1978 World Cup. He was unlucky that he was the same generation as Franco Causio who played in his same role for Juventus and was part of the "blocco Juve" which was favoured at the time (a consistent number of players from the same club in the national team).
After retiring Sala he had a few coaching experiences.
He returned to Torino as a collaborator from 1984 to 1986 and from 1986 to 1988 was in charge of the "Beretti" age group (15-19).
From December 1988 to May 1989 he was manager of Torino for 20 games (W4, D7, L9). He took over from Gigi Radice and was then replaced by Sergio Vatta for the last 5 games. Torino finished 16th and relegated. His squad included Lazio connections; Paolo Di Sarno (1992), Diego Fuser (1992-98), Luca Marchegiani (1993-2003) and Dino Baggio (2000-03).
In 1999-91 he was Catanzaro manager in C1. He started, was replaced, came back but was then replaced again. He oversaw 25 games (W6, D9, L10) and the Giallorossi were eventually relegated.
From March 2001 to April 2002 he was with Moncalieri (TO) in C2. He was in charge for 5 games but only drew 2 and lost 3. The Biancazzurri were eventually relegated.
Claudio Sala was a winger. He could play on either wing and was a brilliant assist man. He was tireless but also exceptionally inventive. His dribblings and crosses were a joy to watch. His teammates, especially Francesco Graziani (122 goals) and Paolo Pulici (172 goals) have a lot to thank Sala for.
Claudio Sala is a hero at Torino. He spent eleven seasons with Toro and won their 7th Scudetto, the first since the Superga tragedy in 1949 and currently their last. The line-up was Castellini, Santin, Salvadori, P.Sala, Mozzini, Caporale, C.Sala, Pecci, Graziani, Zaccarelli, Pulici. A legendary team.
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