Elkjaer, Preben (Copenhagen, Denmark, 11/9/57)
This big Danish striker was the toast of Verona for three seasons in the 1980s. A consistent yet unspectacular performer, he was signed from SK Lokeren in 1984 and achieved championship success in his first season. In total he bagged 25 goals in 66 games for the club in Serie A.
Emerson (Pelotas, Brazil, 4/4/76)
Not many players win a Scudetto in their first Serie A season, but when Emerson arrived at Roma from Bayer Leverkusen in 2000 that was exactly what he achieved. His drive, style and direction was vital to the team and it was little wonder that Fabio Capello made him a top transfer priority when he was made Coach of Juventus. In between, he was denied a chance of international glory when a shoulder injury in training - doubling up as a goalkeeper - ruled him out of Brazil’s World Cup winning squad of 2002.
EMPOLI (Founded: 1921. Stadium: Carlo Castellani, Capacity: 19,847)
Tuscan minnows who enjoyed their fifteen minutes of fame thanks to two seasons in Serie A in the mid-1980s. In 1986-87 they narrowly avoided relegation, but in 1987-88 they finished rock bottom and departed the top flight. Their most famous player in this era was probably the far from prolific Swede Johnny Ekstrom, who managed a meagre eight goals in 53 Serie A appearances. By 1995-96 Empoli had dropped into Serie C1, but they had the strength of character to fight back and return to Serie A by 1997 and again in 2002.
Eranio, Stefano (Genoa, 29/12/66)
The pride of the Genoa youth set-up and a star of the first team for eight seasons until Milan snapped him up in 1992. The diligent right-sided midfielder went on to League and European glory as well as being capped by his country. Eranio then switched to Derby Co for a successful spell in England before concluding his career with lowly Pro Sesto.
Evani, Alberigo (Massa, 1/1/63)
One of the pillars of Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan, Evani went through the relegation of 1982 but bounced back to enjoy 13 amazing seasons with the Rossoneri. By 1993 he was out of favour, but he went on to enjoy a few sparkling years at Sampdoria before finishing off with little Carrarese in Serie C1.
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