Gabriele Podavini is one of the heroes of Lazio's -9 season
Gabriele Podavini was a very modern right back, more similar to Manuel Lazzari than many of his fellow players at the time. He also had a cracking shot and always scored a few goals each season. He is one of my persoanl favourites.
Born in Gavardo on November 25 1955, he grew up in the Brescia youth team. He was sent on loan to Bolzano in Serie C in 1975 where he did well enough to make the Brescia first team in the next season. He stayed in Lombardy for six years, five in Serie B and one in Serie A.
In 1982 he was purchased by Lazio, following a suggestion from Roberto Clagluna. Podavini made a major contribution to Lazio’s promotion to Serie A. He played 43 games that season with two goals and one of his shots, deflected by a defender, was fundamental in beating Catania and allow the team to need just one point for promotion.
Despite Giorgio Chinaglia’s promises of making the Biancocelesti great, Lazio in the next three years were certainly not great. A first season of suffering as Lazio managed to stay in Serie A despite making only 9 points in the first half of the season. A second year with surprise relegation. A third season in Serie B when from being initial favourites for promotion they were almost relegated in Serie C.
And then came the famous -9 season of 1986-87. After the match fixing scandal of 1986 emerged, Lazio were first relegated, and later reinstated in Serie B but with an initial docking of nine points. What needs to be remembered is that at that time there were just two points for a win, so a huge uphill start. Lazio started well but faltered towards the end and in the last match Lazio had to win to hope to go to a play off to avoid relegation.
With seven minutes to go, it was still 0-0. Podavini got the ball and kicked. It was more of a desperate attempt than actual possibility of a goal. He miskicked it but the ball reached to Giuliano Fiorini who turned around and scored. Lazio were safe for the moment. Thanks to Podavini. Lazio would go on to secure permanence in Serie B with a dramatic play off win against Campobasso in Naples.
After five very intense years, Podavini in 1987 was sold to Genoa in Serie B (much to my displeasure!!!). He stayed there for just a year and in 1988 he moved to Siena in Serie C where he basically finished his professional career.
After quitting football he worked as manager of minor teams, but his time at Lazio was so intense that he became a Lazio supporter. “When I see Fiorini’s goal I still get emotional. Despite the fact that many years have passed, the memory is very much alive”, he said recently.
He played 171 games for Lazio, 47 in Serie A, 102 in Serie B and 22 in Coppa Italia, scoring 12 goals, one in Serie A, 6 in Serie B and 5 in Coppa Italia.
All Lazio fans will forever be indebted to Gabriele Podavini. Our hero of the -9 season.
Appearances for Lazio
Season | Total appearances (goals) | Serie A | Serie B | Coppa Italia |
1982-83 | 39 (2) | - | 34 (1) | 5 (1) |
1983-84 | 23 | 22 | - | 1 |
1984-85 | 30 (2) | 25 (1) | - | 5 (1) |
1985-86 | 39 (3) | - | 34 (2) | 5 (1) |
1986-87 | 40 (5) | - | 34 (3) | 6 (2) |
Total | 171 (12) | 47 (1) | 102 (6) | 22 (5) |
Sources
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