Francesco Gabriotti was born on August 12, 1914, in Rome.
He grew up in the Lazio youth sector winning a “Ragazzi” (Boys) national championship in 1929 and winning it a second time a year later with Alba. In 1932 he became part of the Biancoceleste first team squad where he stayed until 1937, making 27 appearances with six goals. He was a tactical winger, a bit ahead of his time as far as his role on the pitch was concerned.
In 1936 he was called up to be part of the Italy squad for the Olympic Games, together with teammate Giuseppe Baldo. In the first round the Nazionale beat the US 1-0 and Japan 8-0 in the second. The Azzurri won their semi-final against Norway and had to face the formidable Austrian team in the final for the gold medal.
Austria had only just made it to the final. In the quarters, they were winning 2-0 against Peru but the South Americans managed to equalise in the last 15 minutes of the game. In extra time, Peru scored five times, three were however disallowed. This was a big upset in a tournament that had already seen Germany beaten by Norway. The Austrians demanded a re-match because allegedly some Peruvian supporters had run onto the pitch, one of whom with a gun. Some of the players also stated to have been hit by the fans. As a consequence, the Olympic Committee and FIFA decided on a replay and summoned the Peru delegation so that they could present their defence. But they never turned up at the appointment, allegedly held back in traffic as there was a parade. The two boards, seeing that nobody showed up, gave the victory to the Austrians. It is unknown what really happened at the match, but many believe Germany and the Nazi party had something to do with it. Austria then beat Poland in the semis.
In the final, Italy, with both Gabriotti and Baldo in the team, beat Austria 2-1 in extra time.
Gabriotti returned as a hero, but his fame was short-lived. A couple of weeks after winning the gold medal he suffered a serious injury that put an end to a very promising career.
He died in Rome on February 11, 1987.
Lazio Career
Season | Serie A Appearances (goals) |
1932-33 | 8 (2) |
1933-34 | 5 (1) |
1934-35 | 9 |
1935-36 | 5 (3) |
Total | 27 (6) |
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