Ennio Modesti

Ennio Modesti was born in Rome on November 3, 1925.

Source Lazio Wiki

Son of a long-serving ATAC tram driver from the historic Porta Maggiore depot, Ennio grew up in Rome immersed in both work ethic and passion for football. He began playing in the Torpignattara district, later moving to Cecconi, where his talent caught the attention of Lazio’s Biancoceleste executives. He was brought to the club alongside Renato Spurio and placed in the federal Ragazzi youth team.

Football in Rome during those years was heavily influenced by the events of World War II. Ennio balanced his sporting commitments with his studies, graduating with top marks in bookkeeping. During the conflict he played for Ala Littoria and, in the 1944–45 season, returned to Torpignattara. After the war he found employment with the Italian Red Cross while continuing his football career with Lazio.

In the 1945–46 season he played as a regular starter for the first team, collecting two appearances in the league championship and four in the post season. Nicknamed “Cagnetta” for the frenetic rotation of his legs while running, he was remembered as a tireless and powerful forward. Despite his undeniable talent, opportunities at the highest level were limited.

In 1947 he joined Italcasse, under President Costantino Tessarolo, and subsequently moved to Serie C with Latina, where he played for three consecutive seasons (1948/49, 1949/50, and 1950/51). In 1952 he featured for Artiglio in the Fourth Series, followed by a season with Sanlart. As his professional career progressed, he rose to become a senior executive at Italcasse, yet continued to play football purely for passion in interbank tournaments.

His scoring exploits in youth football remain remarkable: in a single Ragazzi season he scored 120 goals, including an extraordinary 16 in one match. Though he never achieved the level of recognition his ability warranted, he remains fondly remembered by those who knew him.

After moving to Albano Laziale in the early 2000s, Ennio was a regular presence at convivial gatherings of former Lazio and Roma players.

He died in Rome on April 14, 2014.

On the day of his funeral, a large Biancoceleste scarf was laid upon his coffin, symbolically accompanying him on his final journey and bearing witness to a lifelong bond with Lazio.

Lazio Career

Season	Total games (goals)	Roman War League	National Serie A-B Centre South League	Post Season Centre South	Other
1944-45	10 (2)	4	-	-	6 (2)
1945-46	6	-	2	4	-
Total	16 (2)	4	2	4	6 (2)

Sources

Lazio Wiki