Alessandro MANNINI 1977-86
The steady shot-stopper was a trusty face between the posts at the Arena Garibaldi and spent nine seasons there in the 1970s and 1980s. After hanging his gloves up, Mannini continued to serve the Torri as assistant boss and goalkeeper Coach. Having spent time helping the Azzurrini, he is a pundit on local TV these days and proudly watches his son Daniele play for Brescia.
Gianluca SIGNORINI 1978-79 & 1995-96
Although the great stopper only played briefly for the Nerazzurri at the beginning and end of his career, he was a hometown hero. Signorini was a model professional and a rock at the back – qualities that helped him become a fixture at Roma and Genoa in a career that span two decades. Tragically, he died at the age of just 42 from Lou Gehrig Syndrome, but his memory lives on through a charity in his name.
Jose CHAMOT 1991-93
The Argentine played 87 games for Pisa and became an integral part of the defence during the club’s heyday. His time with the Tuscan minnows proved to be the springboard for a career that saw him ply his trade at Lazio, Milan and Atletico Madrid. He also appeared in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups with the Albicelestes.
Ciro CAPUANO 2000-04
His career may have stalled somewhat at Palermo, but Capuano’s work at Pisa nearly earned him cult status. The fast and powerful wing-back finished one game short of 100 in the Nerazzurri colours and so nearly inspired the side to a Serie B return when they were squeezed out by Albinoleffe in the 2002-03 Serie C play-offs.
Diego SIMEONE 1990-92
The ultimate Jekyll and Hyde, Simeone was shy and retiring off the pitch, but a fierce proposition in the midfield. Two seasons and over 50 games for Pisa helped him secure a move to Sevilla, where his career truly took off. Over 100 Argentina caps later, the 37-year-old is already making waves as a Coach with hometown club Estudiantes.
Marco TARDELLI 1972-74
Born just outside Pisa, Tardelli made the first step of a glorious career at the Stadio Romeo Anconetani. A tenacious holding midfielder, the Juventus hero made a habit of popping up to score crucial goals. While he hit the target in Juve’s 1977 UEFA Cup Final triumph, it was his goal in the Azzurri’s 1982 World Cup Final victory and the euphoric celebration that will never be forgotten.
Klaus BERGGREEN 1982-86
The Dane is possibly the most fondly remembered import in Pisa history after his 124 appearances in a four-year spell. He played a crucial role in helping his nation qualify for its first World Cup Finals in 1986, but never settled at Roma or Torino, and eventually he returned to his native Lyngby to conclude his playing days. Berggreen currently owns a clothing label.
Aldo CANTARUTTI 1979-81
After frustrating spells at Lazio and Torino, the versatile midfielder launched himself at Pisa before excelling at Catania in the mid-1980s. Physically powerful and surprisingly aggressive, Cantarutti lives long in the memory and is still making his mark in the game as a director at Vicenza.
Mario BEEN 1988-91
Current NEC Nijmegen boss, Dutch midfielder Been enjoyed three glittering seasons at Pisa, where he was always unpredictable, but rarely disappointing. The occasional glimpses of magical skill earned him the title Mariodona – a pun on his name and that of a slightly more famous import of the 1980s.
Lamberto PIOVANELLI 1986-87 & 1987-91
A menace as a deep-lying forward, Piovanelli’s peak came in 1989-90 as his 18-goal haul lifted the Tuscans to Serie A promotion in his second spell at the club. However, he had already guaranteed a place in the hearts of the locals due to his goal against Cremonese that won top-flight football in 1986-87. Today, he is a pundit for Pisa games on a local TV channel.
Wim KIEFT 1983-86
Three seasons in Tuscany were the formative period for a striker who made 43 appearances and scored 11 goals for Holland. Kieft went on to lift the Euro 1988 trophy and the European Cup as a member of a superb PSV side. Wim’s son Robbin is a member of the Dutch side FC Groningen’s squad.
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Known as the master of promotion, Simoni did his magic with Pisa and will always be remembered for guiding the side to victory over Cremonese to grab Serie A status. Ironically, he was to enjoy a heroic period in Cremona and became the Grigiorossi’s Coach of the Century. He clinched the UEFA Cup with Inter, but has never thrived in the top flight and took charge of Serie C Lucchese in 2006-07.