Aldo Serena: The Striker, The Sage, The Storyteller – A Retrospective

A Childhood Forged in Veneto, A Name Misplaced

Born Antonio but registered as Aldo thanks to a doting grandmother`s silent tribute to her late husband, Serena`s life began with an identity slight. This early mix-up, however, was just a prelude to a career characterized by unexpected turns and a steadfast determination. Growing up in Montebelluna, a town in the Treviso province, his afternoons weren`t just for school; from the age of eight, they were spent assisting his father in a mountain shoe factory. This early immersion in labor, he recalls, instilled a resilience that would define him.

“The experience hardened me. When I debuted in Serie A for Inter, seeing all the factory workers under the Curva Nord of San Siro gave me an extra boost of energy. When I scored, I ran towards their section to celebrate with them.”

His early football dreams saw him, a self-proclaimed “super Interista,” even trying out for rivals Milan at 12, armed with a Gianni Rivera poster (a consolation prize after the tryout failed due to his then-short stature). His inspirations were the “irregulars” – players like George Best, Gigi Meroni, and even the “socks-down” Oriali – embodying a rebellious spirit he admired. Intriguingly, his formidable heading ability, a hallmark of his game, was honed not on the football pitch, but in the local oratorio, switching between football and basketball, dreaming of being a Cosic or a Dalipagic.

Agnelli`s Wit, Springsteen`s Loss, and Platini`s Subtle Counsel

Serena`s move to Juventus in 1985 from Inter was anything but straightforward. It famously involved missing a Bruce Springsteen concert – the Boss`s first in Italy – to meet with Inter president Ernesto Pellegrini about the transfer. The call came, the concert was cut short, and the deal was struck, making him miss the encores but landing him a coveted spot at Juventus.

At Juventus, Serena entered a world of meticulous organization and iconic figures. Gianni Agnelli, the legendary industrialist and Honorary Chairman of Fiat, was a frequent presence, known for his early morning calls (between 5:30 and 6 AM) to players, probing about opponents and tactics. Agnelli, with his sharp wit, once famously quipped that “Serena is strong from the waist up.” While initially stung, Serena later witnessed Agnelli retract the comment, acknowledging his broader abilities. It was a testament to the Avvocato`s unique way of both prodding and praising. Another legend, Michel Platini, offered his own brand of wisdom:

“One day, soon after I arrived in Turin, he asked me, `Aldo, are you happy to be here?` I said, `Of course! With you behind me, feeding me fantastic balls, and Mauro and Cabrini crossing from the flanks, what more could I want?` He replied, `You know I wanted you here? And do you know why? Because I`d like you to head the ball back to me so I can shoot.` He said it with a smile, and I understood it was a request, a well-masked critique. From that day, whenever I could, I looked for Michel with my head.”

These interactions painted a picture of a club where even criticism was delivered with a certain panache, fostering an environment of continuous improvement.

Milan: From Wedding Receptions to World-Class Facilities

Serena`s two stints at AC Milan offered a fascinating contrast. His first spell in 1982 saw a club reeling from a second relegation to Serie B under the eccentric Giussy Farina. Milanello, the club`s training ground, was so financially strapped it was rented out for private events. Serena vividly recalls arriving for a pre-match retreat only to find wedding reception structures being erected, forcing the team to relocate to a city hotel.

His second return saw a dramatically different club under Silvio Berlusconi. Milanello had been transformed into a “flowered park,” boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a medical sector so advanced that its staff had studied under the Chicago Bulls. This era, while prosperous, also brought its own brand of drama, with CEO Adriano Galliani once calling a live TV show to heatedly dispute Serena`s on-air criticism. Serena, however, remained unfazed, a testament to his grounded nature.

Italia `90: The Agony of the Spot-Kick

The 1990 World Cup on home soil remains a pivotal, bittersweet chapter in Serena`s career. He scored against Uruguay, a moment of national pride. But it was the semi-final against Argentina that etched itself into footballing folklore. Following extra time, with the score deadlocked, the dreaded penalty shootout loomed. Serena, never a designated penalty taker, was reluctantly called upon by coach Azeglio Vicini. The experience was profoundly disorienting:

“I threw myself to the ground, hoping I wouldn`t have to step up. When Vicini asked if I felt up to it, I said, `Mister, take another round, and if you still need me, come back.` He returned. I said yes and went into a trance. My legs felt like marble. The goal seemed to shrink, and Goycochea, their penalty-saving goalkeeper, grew enormous. I was on the verge of a panic attack. I tried not to angle it too much, and the keeper saved it. I plunged into total darkness. I remember nothing of the subsequent hours until the third-place final against England in Bari.”

It was a moment of profound personal failure on a global stage, a raw demonstration of the immense psychological pressure athletes endure. Yet, he faced it, a courage he acknowledges not everyone possesses.

Milano`s Roaring Eighties and a New York Misadventure

Beyond the pitch, Serena also experienced the vibrant social scene of Milan in the “Milano da bere” (Milan to drink) era of the 1980s. He recounts the legendary open-door parties hosted by teammate Nicola Berti at his Piazza Liberty apartment, where anyone from beautiful models to esteemed writers like Andrea De Carlo might be found observing the scene. Berti, he says, taught him a “healthy lightness” crucial for managing the immense pressures of professional football.

The narrative continues to the 1994 World Cup in the USA, where Serena, now a fan, found himself sharing a Soho, New York residence with Berti and others. This hub became an unofficial Italian team retreat, frequented by players seeking relaxation amidst a whirlwind of fashion photographers and supermodels. It was here that Serena had his most memorable gaffe. After an Italian loss to Ireland, he was vehemently criticizing coach Arrigo Sacchi from the stands, only to discover that the blonde woman next to him, with whom he had been casually conversing, was Federica Sacchi, the coach`s daughter. A quick invitation to Berti`s party salvaged the situation, transforming a mortifying moment into a humorous memory.

From Striker to Seasoned Commentator: A Lesson in Measured Tones

Serena`s “second life” as a television commentator began in 1994, replacing the outgoing Roberto Bettega. His inaugural broadcast, an uninspiring friendly between Lazio and Ajax, provided an immediate, crucial lesson in the art of sports commentary. After criticizing the dull match with characteristic frankness, he heard a voice in his earpiece: “Minus twenty thousand viewers.” When he continued, “Minus another ten thousand.” At halftime, director Popi Bonnici offered a direct, commercial reality check:

“Aldo, I spoke. I want to remind you that we are a commercial TV, and ratings come first. Tell what you see, don`t sugarcoat anything, but do it with measure, without exaggerating, otherwise you`ll make the ratings plummet.”

This stark feedback taught him the importance of engaging the audience without alienating them, a skill he has honed over 17 Champions League finals. He praises current colleagues like Pierluigi Pardo for his dialectic prowess and ability to unearth information mid-match, while holding a special affection for his early co-commentators, Bruno Longhi and Sandro Piccinini.