Enzio Enrique Serafini was born in Lasongas (Brazil) on August 1, 1904. In Brazil he was known as Henrique while later in Italy he was called Ezio Enrico.
He started his career with Palestra Itália in 1923. He played eight seasons for the Sāo Paulo club who later became Palmeiras. The "Verdāo" won two Paulista league titles, in 1926 and 1927. Serafini played 182 league games and scored 13 goals.
In 1931 he went to Europe and joined Lazio. In 1931-32 the player/manager was fellow Brazilian Amílcar Barbuy and there were another seven compatriots in the squad (the two Fantoni's - Joao and Octavio, Armando Del Debbio, Perdo Rizzetti, Alejandro Demaria, José Castelli and Anfilogino Guarisi). These were the "Brasilazio" years. Lazio finished 13th; the highlight was beating Juventus 2-1 away. Serafini played 15 league games.
In 1932-33 the manager was Austrian Karl Stürmer and Lazio finished 10th. The best results were beating Roma 2-1, Juventus 1-0 and Milan 2-0 at home and Ambrosiana-Inter 1-0 away. Serafini played 33 league games and scored 1 goal (Fiorentina).
In 1933-34 Stürmer stayed on and Lazio finished 10th again. Lazio thrashed Milan 4-0 at home and drew a derby after being 0-3 down. Serafini played 26 league games.
The 1934-35 season was his last with Lazio. Walter Alt from Czechoslovakia took over as manager and Lazio finished 5th. Two of the Brazilian contingent left (Castelli and Rizzetti) and one tragically died (Octavio Fantoni II) but a prolific striker arrived, Silvio Piola. Lazio beat Juventus 5-3 and Ambrosiana-Inter 4-2 at home while both derbies were draws. Serafini played 22 league games.
In 1935 he returned to Brazil and to his former club Palestra Itália. He only played two league games and stayed one season. He then had a spell with Portuguesa (Sāo Paulo) before retiring.
He won 5 caps and scored 1 goal for Brazil between 1928 and 1931.
Serafini was a defender or midfielder. He was a versatile player and could cover various roles. He however played mainly as a defensive midfielder. At Lazio he stayed five seasons and was an integral part of the "Brasilazio" period. He played 97 league games for the Biancocelesti and scored one goal.
Enzio Enrique Serafini died on March 9, 1980.
Lazio Career
Season | Serie A Appearances (goals) |
1931-32 | 15 |
1932-33 | 33 (1) |
1933-34 | 27 |
1934-35 | 22 |
Total | 97 (1) |
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